U.S. patent application number 16/254975 was filed with the patent office on 2019-07-25 for composite plate for an article of footwear.
This patent application is currently assigned to NIKE, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is NIKE, Inc.. Invention is credited to Aaron Bartel, Sam Lacey, Christian Alexander Steinbeck.
Application Number | 20190223546 16/254975 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 67299082 |
Filed Date | 2019-07-25 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190223546 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bartel; Aaron ; et
al. |
July 25, 2019 |
COMPOSITE PLATE FOR AN ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR
Abstract
A stitched article includes a substrate and a first strand
portion formed from a bundle of fibers. The substrate has a first
region and a second region. The first strand portion is attached to
the substrate in the first region and in the second region via a
series of stitches formed with a thread and forms a first layer on
the substrate. The article has a first concentration of the
stitches in the first region along a first length of the strand
portion and a second concentration of the stitches different than
the first concentration in the second region along a second length
of the first strand portion.
Inventors: |
Bartel; Aaron; (Beaverton,
OR) ; Lacey; Sam; (Portland, OR) ; Steinbeck;
Christian Alexander; (Portland, OR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
NIKE, Inc. |
Beaverton |
OR |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
NIKE, Inc.
Beaverton
OR
|
Family ID: |
67299082 |
Appl. No.: |
16/254975 |
Filed: |
January 23, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62621193 |
Jan 24, 2018 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 13/04 20130101;
A43B 5/02 20130101; A43B 13/186 20130101; A43B 13/26 20130101; B29C
70/226 20130101; B29D 35/0054 20130101; A43C 15/02 20130101; A43B
13/026 20130101; A43C 15/16 20130101; A43B 13/12 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A43B 13/02 20060101
A43B013/02; A43B 13/04 20060101 A43B013/04; A43C 15/02 20060101
A43C015/02; A43C 15/16 20060101 A43C015/16; A43B 5/02 20060101
A43B005/02 |
Claims
1. A plate for an article of footwear, comprising: a stitched
article including: a substrate having a first region and a second
region; and a first strand portion formed from a first bundle of
fibers, wherein (i) the first bundle of fibers is attached to the
substrate in the first region and in the second region via a series
of stitches formed with a first thread, (ii) the first bundle of
fibers forms a first layer on the substrate, and (iii) the stitched
article has a first concentration of the stitches in the first
region along a first length of the strand portion and a second
concentration of the stitches different than the first
concentration in the second region along a second length of the
first strand portion; and a resin composition, wherein the resin
composition consolidates fibers of at least the first bundle of
fibers of the strand portion.
2. The plate of claim 1, wherein the resin composition consolidates
the fibers of at least the first bundle of fibers of the strand
portion, fibers and/or a yarn of the substrate, and the thread of
the stitched article.
3. The plate of claim 1, wherein the stitches cross over the first
strand portion and penetrate the substrate at first attachment
locations that are spaced apart from the strand portion.
4. The plate of claim 1, wherein the first length extends in a
direction between a medial side of the substrate and a lateral side
of the substrate.
5. The plate of claim 4, wherein the second length extends in a
direction between the medial side of the substrate and the lateral
side of the substrate.
6. The plate of claim 1, wherein the first concentration is greater
than the second concentration.
7. The plate of claim 1, wherein a first average distance between
stitches in the first region is greater than a second average
distance between stitches in the second region.
8. The plate of claim 1, wherein the first bundle of fibers
includes at least one of carbon fibers, boron fibers, glass fibers,
and synthetic polymer fibers.
9. The plate of claim 1, wherein the stitched article comprises a
second strand portion formed from a second bundle of fibers,
attached to the substrate in the first region and in the second
region via a series of stitches formed with a second thread.
10. The plate of claim 9, wherein the first bundle of fibers
includes carbon fibers, and the second bundle of fibers includes
glass fibers.
11. The plate of claim 1, wherein the wherein the substrate is a
textile including a first polymeric composition comprising one or
more first polymers, and the thread includes a second polymeric
composition comprising one or more second polymers.
12. The plate of claim 11, wherein both the first polymeric
composition of the textile and the second polymeric composition of
the thread are thermoplastic compositions.
13. The plate of claim 11, wherein both the one or more first
polymers of first polymeric composition of the textile and the one
or more second polymers of the second polymeric composition of the
thread include a polyurethane, or include a polyester, or include a
polyether, or include a polyamide, or include a polyolefin.
14. The plate of claim 11, wherein a melting temperature of the
second polymeric composition of the thread is at least 20 degrees
Celsius higher than a melting temperature of the first polymeric
composition of the substrate.
15. The plate of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of
traction elements attached to a side of the plate.
16. A method of forming a plate for an article of footwear, the
method comprising: positioning a substrate; depositing a strand
portion formed from a bundle of fibers on the substrate; and
attaching the strand portion to the substrate via a series of
stitches formed with a thread such that a first region of the
stitched article has a first concentration of stitches and a second
region of the stitched article has a second concentration of
stitches, wherein the first concentration of stitches is at least
10 percent greater than the second concentration of stitches.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the method further comprises
positioning the stitched article in a mold; disposing a liquid
resin composition between and around a plurality of fibers of the
bundle of fibers stitched to the substrate; solidifying the liquid
resin composition, consolidating the plurality of fibers with solid
resin composition and forming a composite plate for an article of
footwear; and removing the composite plate from the mold.
18. The method of claim 17, further comprising disposing at least
one traction element in the mold prior to disposing the liquid
resin composition; and attaching the traction element to the
composite plate prior to removing the composite plate from the
mold.
19. A method of forming a composite plate for an article of
footwear, the method comprising: positioning a stitched article in
a mold, the stitched article including strand portions of bundles
of fibers stitched to a substrate with a thread, wherein a first
region of the stitched article has a first concentration of
stitches and a second region of the stitched article has a second
concentration of stitches, wherein the first concentration of
stitches is at least 10 percent greater than the second
concentration of stitches; while the stitched article is positioned
in the mold, disposing a resin composition between and around a
plurality of fibers of the bundle of fibers stitched to the
substrate, consolidating the plurality of fibers with the resin
composition and forming a composite plate for an article of
footwear including a first region and a second region, the second
region including a flex zone having a greater flexibility than the
first region; and removing the composite plate from the mold.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the method further comprises
forming the stitched article prior to the positioning the stitched
article in the mold.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.
119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/621,193, filed
Jan. 24, 2018, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by
reference in its entirety.
FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to footwear, and in
particular the present disclosure relates to making a composite
plate for an article of footwear.
BACKGROUND
[0003] This section provides background information related to the
present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.
[0004] Regions of composites that are to accommodate flexing, such
as, for example, in bending regions where toes and joints connect
metatarsal bones with phalanx bones of a foot, are more susceptible
to crack propagation and fracturing as a result of repeated
bending/flexing of the composite during use. Accordingly, in
composite articles, fiber density is generally reduced in these
bending regions in order to reduce the stiffness to allow for
bending at the cost of decreasing the overall strength of the
composite article.
DRAWINGS
[0005] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes
only of selected configurations and not all possible
implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the
present disclosure.
[0006] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an article of footwear in
accordance with principles of the present disclosure;
[0007] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the article of footwear of
FIG. 1 showing an upper and a substantially rigid,
three-dimensional footwear plate including a composite component
affixed to a footbed surface of the upper;
[0008] FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of a footwear plate
including a composite component of FIG. 1 showing an inner surface
of the footwear plate having a shape that conforms to a surface
profile of a bottom surface of a foot;
[0009] FIG. 4 is a top view of a substrate used to form a composite
footwear plate for the article of footwear of FIG. 1;
[0010] FIGS. 5A and 5B each provide a top view of a strand portion
formed from bundle of fibers attached to the substrate of FIG. 4
and forming a first layer on the substrate;
[0011] FIG. 6A is a close up view of the bundle of fibers of FIG. 5
attached to the substrate in a heel region via stitching having a
first concentration;
[0012] FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6B-6B of
FIG. 6A showing the stitching penetrating the substrate to attach
the bundle of fibers to a top surface of the substrate and the
fibers including non-polymer fibers and polymer fibers;
[0013] FIG. 7 is a close up view of the bundle of fibers of FIG. 5
attached to the substrate in a midfoot region via stitching having
a second concentration that is greater than the first concentration
of stitching in the heel region;
[0014] FIG. 8 is a close up view of the bundle of fibers of FIG. 6
attached to the substrate in a forefoot region via stitching having
a third concentration that is greater than the second concentration
of stitching in the midfoot region;
[0015] FIG. 9 is a close up view of a bundle of fibers attached to
a substrate via stitching having a concentration that increases
across a width of the substrate in accordance with principles of
the present disclosure;
[0016] FIG. 10 is a top view of a corresponding layer of a footwear
plate formed from a bundle of fibers having distal ends that
terminate proximate to a flex zone in a forefoot region of the
footwear plate in accordance with principles of the present
disclosure;
[0017] FIG. 11 is a top view of a corresponding layer of a footwear
plate formed from a bundle of fibers extending along a length of
the footwear plate and having a curved orientation proximate to a
flex zone in a forefoot region of the footwear plate in accordance
with principles of the present disclosure;
[0018] FIG. 12 top view of a corresponding layer of a footwear
plate formed from a bundle of fibers extending along a length of
the footwear plate and having a curved orientation proximate to a
flex zone in a forefoot region of the footwear plate in accordance
with principles of the present disclosure;
[0019] FIGS. 13-15 each show various layers of fiber strands and
the bundle of fibers of FIG. 11 used to form a corresponding
footwear plate in accordance with principles of the present
disclosure;
[0020] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a mold for use in forming a
footwear plate in accordance with the principles of the present
disclosure, the mold shown in conjunction with a stack of fibers
prior to being formed into the footwear plate; and
[0021] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a mold for use in forming a
footwear plate in accordance with the principles of the present
disclosure, the mold shown in conjunction with the formed footwear
plate.
[0022] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding
parts throughout the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] The present disclosure is directed to a stitched article
having one or more bundles of fibers supported by a substrate. The
bundles of fibers may be attached to the substrate via stitching to
secure the bundles to the substrate at desired locations and/or in
a desired pattern. The concentration of the stitching used to
attach the bundles to the substrate may vary at different locations
of the substrate to provide the substrate--once formed into a
footwear plate, for example--to have different properties. For
example, in areas where the plate is expected to flex and bend, the
concentration of the stitching may be increased relative to other
areas of the substrate in an effort to locally increase the
flexibility of the formed plate while at the same time resisting
cracking.
[0024] One aspect of the disclosure provides a stitched article.
The stitched article includes a substrate having a first region and
a second region. The stitched article also includes a first strand
portion formed from a first bundle of fibers, attached to the
substrate in the first region and in the second region via a series
of stitches formed with a first thread, and forming a first layer
on the substrate. The article has a first concentration of the
stitches in the first region along a first length of the strand
portion and a second concentration of the stitches different than
the first concentration in the second region along a second length
of the strand portion.
[0025] Implementations of the disclosure may include one or more of
the following optional features. In some implementations, the
stitches cross over the strand portion and penetrate the substrate
at first attachment locations that are spaced apart from the strand
portion. The stitches may also penetrate the strand portion.
Optionally, the first length may extend in a direction between a
medial side of the substrate and a lateral side of the substrate.
Here, the second length extends in a direction between the medial
side of the substrate and the lateral side of the substrate.
[0026] In some examples, the first concentration is greater than
the second concentration. The first concentration may be at least
10 percent greater than the second concentration, may be 10 percent
to 50 percent greater than the second concentration, or may be 20
percent to 40 percent greater than the second concentration.
Optionally, a first average distance between stitches in the first
region may be greater than a second average distance between
stitches in the second region. Here, the first average distance
between stitches may be at least 10 percent greater than the second
average distance between stitches, may be 10 percent to 50 percent
greater than the second average distance between stitches, or may
be 20 percent to 40 percent greater than the second average
distance between stitches
[0027] In some configurations, the second concentration is greater
than the first concentration. The second concentration may be at
least 10 percent greater than the first concentration, 10 percent
to 50 percent greater than the first concentration, or 20 percent
to 40 percent greater than the first concentration. Additionally or
alternatively, a second average distance between stitches in the
first region may be greater than a first average distance between
stitches in the second region. Here, the second average distance
between stitches may be at least 10 percent greater than the first
average distance between stitches, 10 percent to 50 percent greater
than the first average distance between stitches, or 20 percent to
40 percent greater than the first average distance between
stitches.
[0028] In some implementations, the substrate is a textile
including fibers and/or yarns formed of a first polymeric
composition including one or more first polymers. The stitching
thread may include a second polymeric composition including one or
more second polymers. The substrate may be a textile including a
first polymeric composition including one or more first polymers
where at least one of the one or more first polymers of the first
polymeric composition of the substrate is the same as at least one
of the one or more second polymers of the second polymeric
composition of the stitching thread. Here, the textile may be a
non-woven textile. In some examples, the bundle of fibers includes
at least one of carbon fibers, boron fibers, glass fibers, and
synthetic polymer fibers. The synthetic polymer fibers may be high
tenacity synthetic polymer fibers such as aramid fibers.
[0029] In some configurations, the stitched article includes a
second strand portion formed from a second bundle of fibers,
attached to the substrate in the first region and in the second
region via a series of stitches formed with a second thread. The
first bundle of fibers may include carbon fibers. The second bundle
of fibers may include glass fibers. A concentration of the first
bundle of fibers in the first region may be at least 5 weight
percent greater than a concentration of the first bundle of fibers
in the second region. Additionally or alternatively, a
concentration of the second bundle of fibers in the second region
may be at least 5 weight percent greater than a concentration of
the second bundle of fibers in the first region. Here, a melting
temperature of the second polymeric composition of the thread may
be at least 15 degrees C. higher than a melting temperature of the
first polymeric composition of the substrate.
[0030] In some examples, the series of stitches crosses over the
strand portion. Optionally, the second region may define a flex
zone having a greater flexibility than the first region. The
flexibility of the second region may be at least 5 percent greater
than the flexibility of the first region or may be at least 10
percent greater than the flexibility of the first region. The
second concentration may be greater than the first
concentration.
[0031] In some implementations, the stitched article is a component
of an article of footwear, an article of apparel, or an article of
sporting equipment. The component of the article of footwear may be
a component of a plate of an article of footwear.
[0032] Another aspect of the disclosure provides a stitched
article. The stitched article includes a substrate having a first
side and a second side. The stitched article also includes a strand
portion formed from a bundle of fibers, attached to the substrate
via a series of stitches formed with a thread, forming a first
layer on the substrate, and including a first length extending in a
direction between the first side and the second side and a second
length extending in a direction between the first side and the
second side. The stitches have a different concentration along the
first length than the second length.
[0033] Implementation of this aspect may include one or more of the
following optional features. In some configurations, the stitches
cross over the strand portion and penetrate the substrate at first
attachment locations that are spaced apart from the strand portion.
The stitches may also penetrate the strand portion. The substrate
may include a first end and a second end, the first length being
located closer to the first end than the second length and having a
greater concentration of the stitches than the second length. Here,
the substrate may include a flex zone at the first length, the flex
zone having a greater flexibility than other regions of the
substrate.
[0034] In some examples, the substrate is a textile including a
first polymeric composition that includes one or more first
polymers and the thread includes a second polymeric composition
that includes one or more second polymers. In this example, at
least one of the one or more first polymers is the same type of
polymer as at least one of the one or more second polymers.
Examples of types of polymers suitable for use as the first and
second polymers of the substrate and the stitching thread include
polyurethanes, polyethers, polyesters, polyamides, and
polyolefins.
[0035] In some configurations, the bundle of fibers includes at
least one of carbon fibers, boron fibers, glass fibers, and
synthetic polymer fibers. The thread forming the stitches may be
formed from a polymeric composition. Optionally, the stitching
thread may be formed from a polymeric composition including one or
more of the same type(s) of polymers as the substrate. Further, a
polymeric composition included in the thread may have a higher
melting point than the substrate. The series of stitches formed by
the stitching thread may also cross over the strand portion.
[0036] Yet another aspect of the disclosure provides a stitched
article. The stitched article includes a substrate having a first
side and a second side. The stitched article includes a strand
portion formed from a bundle of fibers, attached to the substrate
via a series of stitches formed with a thread, forming a first
layer on the substrate, and including a first length extending in a
direction between the first side and the second side and a second
length extending in a direction between the first side and the
second side. A concentration of the stitches varies along at least
one of the first length and the second length between the first
side and the second side.
[0037] This aspect of the disclosure may include one or more of the
following optional features. In some examples, the stitches cross
over the strand portion and penetrate the substrate at first
attachment locations that are spaced apart from the strand portion.
The stitches may also penetrate the strand portion.
[0038] In some implementations, the substrate includes a first end
and a second end, the first length being located closer to the
first end than the second length and having a greater concentration
of the stitches than the second length. Here, the substrate may
include a flex zone at the first length, the flex zone having a
greater flexibility than other regions of the substrate. The
substrate may be a textile including a first polymeric composition
including one or more first polymers and the thread may include a
second polymeric composition including one or more second polymers.
Here, at least one of the one or more first polymers is the same as
at least one of the one or more second polymers.
[0039] In some configurations, the bundle of fibers includes at
least one of carbon fibers, boron fibers, glass fibers, and
synthetic polymer fibers. The thread forming the stitches may be
formed from a polymeric composition. Optionally, the stitching
thread may be formed from a polymeric composition including one or
more of the same type(s) of polymers as the substrate. Further, a
polymeric composition included in the thread may have a higher
melting point than the substrate. The series of stitches formed by
the stitching thread may also cross over the strand portion.
[0040] Another aspect of the disclosure provides a stitched
article. The stitched article includes a substrate having a first
region and a second region. The stitched article also includes a
strand portion formed from a bundle of fibers, attached to the
substrate via a series of stitches formed with a thread, forming a
first layer on the substrate, and including a plurality of lengths
having longitudinal axes that extend in a direction between the
first region and the second region and distal ends that terminate
at respective locations on the substrate that are spaced apart from
an edge of the substrate to define a flex zone of the substrate at
the distal ends. The flex zone has a greater flexibility than other
regions of the substrate.
[0041] Implementations of this aspect of the disclosure may include
one or more of the following optional features. In some
implementations, the distal ends cooperate to form a transition
line that extends across a width of the substrate between a first
side of the substrate and a second side of the substrate. Here, the
transition line is arcuate or the transition line is straight.
Optionally, the transition line may extend from the first side to
the second side. Additionally or alternatively, the substrate may
be exposed between the transition line and the edge.
[0042] In some configurations, the substrate is exposed between the
distal ends and the edge. The stitches may cross over the strand
portion and penetrate the substrate at first attachment locations
that are spaced apart from the strand portion. The stitches may
also penetrate the strand portion.
[0043] In some examples, a concentration of the stitches is
different along at least one of the plurality of lengths than the
other of the plurality of lengths. In this example, a concentration
of the stitches varies along a length of at least one of the
lengths of the plurality of lengths. In other examples, a
concentration of the stitches varies along a length of at least one
of the lengths of the plurality of lengths.
[0044] In some implementations, the substrate is a textile
including a first polymeric composition comprising one or more
first polymers and the thread includes a second polymeric
composition comprising one or more second polymers. Here, at least
one of the one or more first polymers is the same as at least one
of the one or more second polymers.
[0045] In some configurations, the bundle of fibers includes at
least one of carbon fibers, boron fibers, glass fibers, and
synthetic polymer fibers. The thread forming the stitches may be
formed from a polymeric composition. Optionally, the stitching
thread may be formed from a polymeric composition including one or
more of the same type(s) of polymers as the substrate. Further, a
polymeric composition included in the thread may have a higher
melting point than the substrate. The series of stitches formed by
the stitching thread may also cross over the strand portion.
[0046] An additional aspect of the disclosure provides a stitched
article. The stitched article includes a substrate having a first
region and a second region. The stitched article further includes a
strand portion formed from a bundle of fibers, attached to the
substrate via a series of stitches formed with a thread, forming a
first layer on the substrate, and including a flex zone having a
greater flexibility than other regions of the substrate. The
stitches have a greater concentration along a length of the strand
portion within the flex zone than in the other regions of the
substrate.
[0047] Aspects of this disclosure may include one or more of the
following optional features. In some configurations, the flex zone
defines a transition line that extends across a width of the
substrate between a first side of the substrate and a second side
of the substrate. The transition line may be arcuate or the
transition line may be straight. Further, the transition line may
extend from the first side to the second side. Optionally, the
substrate may be exposed between the transition line and an edge of
the substrate.
[0048] In some examples, the stitches cross over the strand portion
and penetrate the substrate at first attachment locations that are
spaced apart from the strand portion. Additionally or
alternatively, the stitches may penetrate the strand portion.
Further, the substrate may be a textile including a first polymeric
composition including one or more first polymers and the thread may
include a second polymeric composition including one or more second
polymers. At least one of the one or more first polymers may be the
same as at least one of the one or more second polymers.
[0049] In some configurations, the bundle of fibers includes at
least one of carbon fibers, boron fibers, glass fibers, and
synthetic polymer fibers. The thread forming the stitches may be
formed from a polymeric composition. Optionally, the stitching
thread may be formed from a polymeric composition including one or
more of the same type(s) of polymers as the substrate. Further, a
polymeric composition included in the thread may have a higher
melting point than the substrate. The series of stitches formed by
the stitching thread may also cross over the strand portion.
[0050] Another aspect of the disclosure provides a method for
forming a stitched article. The method includes positioning a
substrate and depositing a strand portion formed from a bundle of
fibers on a substrate. The method also includes attaching the
strand portion to the substrate via a series of stitches formed
with a thread such that a first region of the stitched article has
a first concentration of stitches and a second region of the
stitched article has a second concentration of stitches, wherein
the first concentration of stitches is at least 10 percent greater
than the second concentration of stitches. Optionally the stitched
article may be a stitched article according to any of the systems
or methods disclosed herein.
[0051] Another aspect of the disclosure provides a method of
forming a composite article. The method includes positioning a
stitched article in a mold, the stitched article including strand
portions of bundles of fibers stitched to a substrate with a
thread. While the stitched article is positioned in the mold, the
method further includes consolidating the substrate, the strand
portion, and the stitches via a resin composition to form a
composite article. The method also includes removing the composite
article from the mold. The composite article includes a first
region and a second region. The second region includes a flex zone
having a greater flexibility than the first region.
[0052] Implementations of the disclosure may include one or more of
the following optional features. In some implementations, the
method includes forming the stitched article prior to positioning
the stitched article in the mold. Forming the stitched article may
include depositing a strand portion formed from a bundle of fibers
on a substrate and attaching the strand portion via a series of
stitches formed with a thread to the substrate in a first region
having a first concentration of stitches and in a second region
having a second region of stitches greater than the first
concentration of stitches.
[0053] In some examples, consolidating the substrate, the strand
portion, and the stitching includes applying the resin composition
to the substrate, the strand portion, and the stitching while the
stitched article is positioned in the mold. Applying the resin
composition may include combining first and second reactive
compositions to form a liquid resin composition, and applying the
liquid resin composition to the stitched article. The liquid resin
composition may be a liquid epoxy resin composition.
[0054] In some configurations, the method includes curing the resin
composition prior to removing the composite article from the mold.
Optionally, the resin composition may be a thermoplastic resin
composition contained within at least one of the substrate, the
strand portion, and the thread of the stitched article.
Consolidating the substrate, the strand portion, and the thread may
include causing the resin composition to flow and infiltrate the
fibers of the strand portion, followed by allowing the resin
composition to re-solidify prior to removing the composite article
from the mold. The method may further include trimming a perimeter
of the composite article.
[0055] In some implementations, the composite article is a
component for an article of footwear, apparel, or sporting
equipment. When the composite article is a component for an article
of footwear, the method further includes incorporating the
component for an article of footwear into an article of
footwear.
[0056] In some configurations, depositing the strand portion on the
substrate includes positioning the strand portion in a plurality of
lengths having longitudinal axes that extend in a direction between
the first region and the second region. The plurality of lengths
may have distal ends that terminate at respective locations on the
substrate that are spaced apart from an edge of the substrate to
define the flex zone. Optionally, depositing the strand portion on
the substrate may include positioning the strand portion in a
plurality of lengths having a first substantially straight portion
within the first region and an arcuate portion within the second
region that defines the flex zone. Here, the method may include
aligning arcuate portions of adjacent lengths to define the flex
zone.
[0057] In some examples, attaching the strand portion via a series
of stitches formed with a thread includes causing the stitches to
cross over the strand portion and penetrate the substrate at first
attachment locations that are spaced apart from the strand portion.
Additionally or alternatively, attaching the strand portion via a
series of stitches formed with a thread includes causing the
stitches to penetrate the strand portion.
[0058] Yet another aspect of the disclosure provides a method of
manufacturing an article of footwear, apparel or sporting
equipment. The method includes positioning a composite article. The
composite article includes a stitched article having strand
portions of bundles of fibers stitched to a substrate with a
thread. The fibers are consolidated by a resin composition. The
composite article is a component of an article of footwear,
apparel, or sporting equipment. The method also includes affixing
the composite article and a second component to each other. The
second component is a second component of an article of footwear,
apparel, or sporting equipment.
[0059] Implementations of this aspect of the disclosure may include
one or more of the following optional features. In some
implementations, the composite article is a component of an article
of footwear, and the second component is a second component of an
article of footwear. Optionally, the composite article may be a
plate for an article of footwear.
[0060] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the
description provided herein. The description and specific examples
in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and
are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
[0061] Example configurations will now be described more fully with
reference to the accompanying drawings. Example configurations are
provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully
convey the scope of the disclosure to those of ordinary skill in
the art. Specific details are set forth such as examples of
specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough
understanding of configurations of the present disclosure. It will
be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that specific
details need not be employed, that example configurations may be
embodied in many different forms, and that the specific details and
the example configurations should not be construed to limit the
scope of the disclosure.
[0062] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular exemplary configurations only and is not intended to be
limiting. As used herein, the singular articles "a," "an," and
"the" may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless
the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprises,"
"comprising," "including," and "having," are inclusive and
therefore specify the presence of features, steps, operations,
elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or
addition of one or more other features, steps, operations,
elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps,
processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed
as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order
discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an
order of performance. Additional or alternative steps may be
employed.
[0063] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on,"
"engaged to," "connected to," "attached to," or "coupled to"
another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged,
connected, attached, or coupled to the other element or layer, or
intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an
element is referred to as being "directly on," "directly engaged
to," "directly connected to," "directly attached to," or "directly
coupled to" another element or layer, there may be no intervening
elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the
relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like
fashion (e.g., "between" versus "directly between," "adjacent"
versus "directly adjacent," etc.). As used herein, the term
"and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the
associated listed items.
[0064] The terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to
describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or
sections. These elements, components, regions, layers and/or
sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be
only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or
section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as
"first," "second," and other numerical terms do not imply a
sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a
first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below
could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or
section without departing from the teachings of the example
configurations.
[0065] Referring to FIGS. 1-9, in some implementations, an article
of footwear 10 includes an upper 100 and a footwear plate 200
attached to the upper 100. FIG. 1 provides a front perspective view
of the footwear 10 divided into one or more portions. The portions
may include a forefoot portion 12, a mid-foot portion 14, and a
heel portion 16. The forefoot, mid-foot, and heel portions 12, 14,
16 may alternatively be referred to as forefoot, mid-foot, and heel
regions 12, 14, 16, respectively. The forefoot portion 12 may
correspond with toes and joints connecting metatarsal bones with
phalanx bones of a foot. The mid-foot portion 14 may correspond
with an arch area of the foot, and the heel portion 16 may
correspond with rear portions of the foot, including a calcaneus
bone. The footwear 10 may include lateral and medial sides 18, 20,
respectively, corresponding with opposite sides of the footwear 10
and extending through the portions 12, 14, 16.
[0066] The upper 100 includes interior surfaces that define an
interior void 102 configured to receive and secure a foot for
support on the sole structure 200. Ankle opening 104 located in the
heel portion 16 may provide access to the interior void 102. For
example, the ankle opening 104 may receive a foot to secure the
foot within the void 102 and facilitate entry and removal of the
foot to and from the interior void 102. In some examples, one or
more fasteners 106 extend along the upper 100 to adjust a fit of
the interior void 102 around the foot while concurrently
accommodating entry and removal of the foot therefrom. The upper
100 may include apertures such as eyelets and/or other engagement
features such as fabric or mesh loops that receive the fasteners
106. The fasteners 106 may include laces, straps, cords,
hook-and-loop, or any other suitable type of fastener.
[0067] The upper 100 may include a tongue portion 110 that extends
between the interior void 102 and the fasteners 106. The upper 100
may be formed from one or more materials that are stitched or
adhesively bonded together to form the interior void 102. Suitable
materials of the upper may include, but are not limited, textiles,
foam, leather, and synthetic leather. The materials may be selected
and located to impart properties of durability, air-permeability,
wear-resistance, flexibility, and comfort.
[0068] Referring to FIG. 2, an exploded view of the article of
footwear 10 of FIG. 1 shows a footbed surface 222 disposed between
the plate 200 and the upper 100 for receiving a bottom surface
(e.g., plantar) of the foot within the interior void 102. The
footbed surface 222 may be integrally formed with the upper 100 in
some configurations, or the footbed surface 222 may correspond to a
separately formed layer that attaches to the upper 100 in other
configurations. In some examples, the footbed surface 222 is
contoured to conform to a profile of the plantar of the foot.
Additionally or alternatively, an insole or sockliner may be
disposed upon the footbed surface 222 under the foot within at
least a portion of the interior void 102 of the upper 100 to
enhance comfort of the footwear 10.
[0069] The footwear plate 200 defines a longitudinal axis L that
extends through the forefoot portion 12, the mid-foot portion 14,
and the heel portion 16. The plate 200 attaches to the upper 100
and may impart features that a conventional outsole provides. FIG.
3 provides a top perspective view of the embroidered plate 200
showing the plate 200 having a ground-engaging surface 212 and an
opposite inner surface 214 that opposes the footbed surface 222. In
some examples, an outsole material, such as rubber, is attached to
the ground-engaging surface 212 to provide traction with the ground
surface. The inner surface 214 may be contoured to the shape of the
footbed surface 222 to conform to the profile of the bottom surface
(e.g., plantar) of the foot within the interior void 102. In some
examples, a sidewall 220 extends around a perimeter of the plate
200 between the ground-engaging surface 212 and the inner surface
214. The sidewall 220 and the inner surface 214 of the plate 200
may cooperate to retain and support the foot upon the plate 200
when the interior void 102 receives the foot therein. For instance,
the sidewall 220 may define a rim around the perimeter of the
contoured inner surface 214 to cradle the foot during use of the
footwear 10 when performing walking, running, and/or lateral
movements. In some implementations, portions of the sidewall 220
extend around the upper 100 and attach to exterior surfaces of the
upper 100 at one or more locations to secure the plate 200 to the
upper 100. Adhesives may be used to secure the plate 200 to the
upper 100.
[0070] In some examples, one or more protruding elements 215 (e.g.,
cleats) extend from the ground-engaging surface 212 in a direction
away from the plate 200 and the upper 100 to provide traction with
soft ground surfaces, such as grass. For instance, a cleat shaft
217 associated with each protruding element 215 may attach to the
ground-engaging surface 212 of the plate 200 and extend in a
direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of
the plate 200.
[0071] In some implementations, the footwear plate 200 is
substantially rigid and formed from one or more composite
materials. By contrast to conventional composite plates formed from
unidirectional tapes that only afford directional stiffness
properties, the footwear plate 200 is formed from one or more
strand portions 300 arranged in selected patterns to impart
anisotropic stiffness and gradient load paths throughout the plate
200. Each strand portion 300 may refer to a bundle of a plurality
of fibers 350, a monofilament, yarn, or polymer pre-impregnated
bundles that include ribbon or strips of unidirectional tape. The
present disclosure will refer to each strand portion 300 as a
corresponding bundle 300 of fibers 350 unless indicated otherwise.
As used herein, the term "bundle" refers to a bundle (i.e.,
plurality) of filaments (e.g., fibers 350) that may be twisted or
untwisted and each bundle may be designated a size associated with
a number of fibers 350 the corresponding bundle 300 contains. For
instance, the at least one bundle 300 forming the footwear plate
200 may range in size from about 1,000 fibers per bundle to about
48,000 fibers per bundle.
[0072] In some configurations, the fibers 350 associated with the
at least one bundle 300 include at least one of carbon fibers,
glass fibers, boron fibers, and/or synthetic polymer fibers.
Synthetic polymer fibers may include high tenacity synthetic
polymer fibers such as aramid fibers. Additionally, at least a
portion of the fibers 350 associated with the at least one bundle
300 may be formed from a first thermoplastic material. Fibers such
as carbon fibers, aramid fibers, and boron fibers may provide a
high modulus while glass fibers (e.g., fiberglass) and polymer
fibers (e.g., nylon or polyester fibers) provide a medium modulus.
Additionally or alternatively, fibers or yarns formed of a
thermoplastic composition, may be comingled with the fibers 350 of
the one or more bundles 300 to assist with melting/infusing the
embroidered preform during vacuum molding or compression
molding.
[0073] In some implementations, a resin composition is used to
consolidate the fibers of the strands, forming a composite article.
In some examples, in addition to consolidating the fibers to the
strands, the resin composition also consolidates the fibers of the
substrate, or the fibers of the stitching thread, or the fibers of
both the substrate and the stitching thread in the composite
article. The resin composition can be applied to the stitched
article as a liquid which infiltrates into and around the fibers of
the stitched article. The liquid resin composition is then
solidified while in contact with the fibers and thus consolidates
the fibers in the solid resin composition in the composite article.
In one example, the liquid resin composition solidifies into a
thermoset resin composition, and the composite article comprises
fibers consolidated by the thermoset resin composition. The
thermoset resin composition may be formed by combining first and
second reactive compositions. Alternatively or additionally, the
thermoset resin composition may be formed by exposing the liquid
resin composition to actinic radiation (e.g., by exposure to light
or heat or both). The liquid resin composition may include one or
more epoxy polymer, or one or more precursor to an epoxy polymer.
In another example, the liquid resin composition solidifies into a
thermoplastic resin composition, and the composite article
comprises fibers consolidated by the thermoplastic resin
composition. The thermoplastic resin composition may include one or
more thermoplastic polyurethane, one or more thermoplastic
polyester, one or more thermoplastic polyether, one or more
thermoplastic polyamide, one or more thermoplastic polyolefin, or
any combination thereof.
[0074] In some examples, the density of fiber per unit area varies
within a single bundle 300 of fibers 350. Additionally or
alternatively, the type of fibers 350 forming a corresponding
bundle 300 may vary across the plate 200 between the forefoot
region 12 and the heel region 16 and between the lateral side 18
and the medial side 20. In doing so, the plate 200 can be designed
to have a stiffness gradient based on anatomical features of the
foot so that the plate 200 flexes in a way that matches the natural
flex of the foot during walking, running, or other athletic
movements. For instance, a stiffness of the plate 200 may increase
along the length of the plate 200 from the forefoot portion 12 to
the heel portion 14 and/or a stiffness of the plate 200 may be
reduced to define a flex zone, such as where toes and joints
connect metatarsal bones with phalanx bones of a foot, to allow the
plate 200 to bend/flex while mitigating crack propagation at the
flex zone. In some examples, the patterns for each bundle 300 of
fibers 350 provides a stiffness gradient between the lateral side
18 and the medial side 20 of the plate 200 through at least one of
the portions 12, 14, 16. Thus, the one or more bundles 300 of
fibers 350 may include paths with multiple curves to change
directions in the load path of the plate 200 to accommodate
anatomical features as well as to enhance performance of the
footwear 10 for its intended use. Moreover, to increase
inter-laminar fracture toughness at localized regions of the plate
200 such as flex zones, a concentration of stitching 304 (FIGS.
6-9) used to attach the bundles 300 of fibers 350 to a substrate
400 (FIG. 4) can be higher within the flex zones of the plate 200
and/or additional embroidery stitching may be laid over top of
already stitched down bundles 300 of fibers 350 proximate to the
flex zones. Here, a spacing of the stitching and/or embroidery
stitching may be decreased within the flex zones of the plate 200
so that the stitching density (i.e., concentration) is increased to
thereby increase the inter-laminar facture toughness in the flex
zone where flexing/bending of the plate 200 occurs repeatedly
during use of the plate 200. In some implementations, the plate 200
is formed by embroidering at least two bundles 300 of fibers 350 in
a layered configuration while being affixed via stitching to a same
substrate 400 (FIGS. 13-15). In other implementations, the plate is
formed by affixing at least two bundles 300 of fibers 350
separately to corresponding substrates and stacking the substrates
such that the at least two bundles 300 of fibers 350 are
embroidered in a layered configuration.
[0075] As used herein, the substrate 400 refers to any one of a
veil, carrier, or backer at which the at least one bundle 300 of
fibers 350 affixes to and binds with. The substrate 400 may be
formed from a thermoset polymeric material or a thermoplastic
polymeric material and can be a textile (e.g., knit, woven, or
non-woven), an injection molded article, or a thermoformed article.
The polymeric material of the substrate can include one or more
polyurethane, one or more polyether, one or more polyester, one or
more polyamide, one or more polyolefin, and combinations thereof.
For example, the polyurethane can be a polyester-polyurethane
copolymer. The polyester can be a polyethylene terepthalate or a
polybutylene terephtalate. The polyamide can be Nylon 6, Nylon 66,
or Nylon 11.
[0076] The stitching 304 used to attach bundles 300 of fibers 350
to the substrate 400 may be formed from the same material as the
substrate 400. For instance, the stitching 304 may include a thread
formed from a polymeric composition that includes some of the same
polymers as the polymeric composition of the substrate 400. The
polymeric material of the stitching can include one or more
polyurethane, one or more polyether, one or more polyester, one or
more polyamide, one or more polyolefin, and combinations thereof.
For example, the polyurethane can be a polyester-polyurethane
copolymer. The polyester can be a polyethylene terepthalate or a
polybutylene terephtalate. The polyamide can be Nylon 6, Nylon 66,
or Nylon 11.
[0077] In some examples, the substrate 400 (e.g., a textile) may
comprise a first polymeric composition having one or more first
polymers, and the thread of the stitching may comprise a second
polymeric composition having one or more second polymers with at
least one of the one or more second polymers being the same type of
polymer as at least one of the one or more first polymers. For
example, both the first polymeric composition and the second
polymeric may comprise a polyurethane, or both the first polymeric
composition and the second polymeric may comprise a polyester, or
both the first polymeric composition and the second polymeric may
comprise a polyamide, etc. Additionally or alternatively, the
thread of the stitching may include a second polymeric composition
having a higher melting temperature than the first polymeric
composition of the substrate. More specifically, a thermoplastic
composition present in or forming a majority of the weight of the
thread of the stitching may have a melting temperature which is at
least 20-degrees Celsius higher than the melting temperature of a
polymeric composition present in the substrate 400. For instance,
the thread of the stitching may include a polymeric composition
having a melting temperature that is at least 20-degrees Celsius
higher than a first polymeric composition included in the substrate
400, or of a first polymeric composition which forms a majority of
the weight of the substrate 400.
[0078] Generally, it is difficult to manufacture a non-flat (e.g.,
curved/contoured) and substantially rigid composite plate in its
final state from a preform plate that is initially rigid and flat
in shape. Implementations herein are directed toward an embroidered
preform that affixes the one or more bundles 300 of fibers 350 to
the same substrate 400 or different substrates 400, reducing a
concentration of the bundles 300 of fibers 350 and/or curving paths
of the bundles of fibers 350 in localized areas associated with
flex zones, increasing a concentration/density of stitching used to
affix the bundles of fibers 350 to the substrate(s) 400 in the
localized areas to increase inter-laminar fracture toughness, and
applying heat to mold the embroidered preform to form the footwear
plate 200 with a desired shape and curvature. Thereafter, the plate
200 may be cured to impart structural rigidity. That is to say,
both the substrate(s) 400 and each bundle 300 of fibers 350 are
thin and flexible to allow the embroidered preform to be positioned
into a mold to form the plate 200 with a three-dimensional shape
having structural rigidity. In some examples, manufacturing the
plate 200 includes infusing liquid thermoplastic material into the
embroidered preform (e.g., one or more bundles 300 of fibers 350
affixed to the substrate 400) and using vacuum molding and/or
compression molding techniques to form the plate 200. The liquid
thermoplastic material may include at least one of polymerizable
compositions or pre-polymer materials. Additional
polymers/toughening agents (such as softer polymers, rubber, and/or
block copolymers) may be added to the liquid thermoplastic material
to reduce brittleness of the plate 200.
[0079] In other examples, the substrate 400, or a portion thereof,
is formed from a thermoset polymeric material and/or a
thermoplastic polymeric material. The thermoplastic polymeric
material includes a melting point below a melting point or
degradation temperature of the fibers 350 of the bundles 300. Here,
incorporating the thermoplastic material and/or the thermoset
polymeric material into the substrate 400 may be used in addition
to, or in lieu of, the liquid thermoplastic material infused into
the embroidered preform to melt/infuse the embroidered preform
during the vacuum molding process and/or the compression molding
process. Additionally or alternatively, thermoplastic yarns may be
comingled with the fibers 350 of the one or more bundles 300 to
assist with melting/infusing the embroidered preform during vacuum
molding or compression molding. Optionally, the embroidered preform
may be powder coated with the thermoset and/or thermoplastic
polymeric materials or injection-molding techniques may be used to
overmold and/or impregnate the embroidered preform with the
thermoset and/or thermoplastic polymeric materials.
[0080] FIG. 4 provides a top view of an example substrate 400 used
for forming the footwear plate 200. The substrate 400 may be
substantially thin, flat, and flexible. As set forth above, the
substrate 400, or at least a portion thereof, may be formed from a
thermoset polymeric material or a thermoplastic polymeric material.
In some configurations, the substrate 400 includes a textile that
may be knit, woven, or non-woven. The substrate 400 may also
optionally be formed form an injection molded article or a
thermoformed article. The substrate 400 may be cut to a desired
shape defined by a perimeter edge 402.
[0081] FIGS. 5A and 5B each provide a top view of a bundle 300 of
fibers 350 attached to a top surface 410 of the substrate 400 of
FIG. 4 to form a first layer on the substrate 400. The bundle 300
(i.e., strand portion) includes a plurality of segments 302 that
extend continuously between two different locations along the
perimeter edge 402 of the substrate 400 to form the first layer
covering the substrate 400 (i.e., the segments 302 extend across
the substrate 400 between the lateral and medial sides 18, 20). The
segments 302 may be disposed adjacent and substantially parallel to
one another. In the examples shown, the segments 302 extend in a
direction that converges with the longitudinal axis of the
substrate 400. In other examples, the segments 302 may extend
substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the substrate
400 or extend in other directions convergent with the longitudinal
axis of the substrate 400. FIG. 5A shows each segment terminating
at a corresponding looped portion inside the perimeter edge 402 of
the substrate 400. FIG. 5B shows each segment also terminating at a
corresponding looped portion, but outside the perimeter edge 402 of
the substrate 400. Thus, the looped portions of the segments 302 of
FIG. 5B that extend outside the perimeter edge 402 of the substrate
400 may be removed (e.g., by cutting) to eliminate a presence of
pinch points during the manufacturing process when the bundle 300
and fibers 300 and the substrate 400 are subjected to heat and
pressure.
[0082] The bundle of fibers 350 may be attached to the substrate
400 via a series of stitches 304. Referring to FIGS. 6A-8, close-up
views in the heel region 16 (FIG. 6A), the midfoot region 14 (FIG.
7), and the forefoot region 12 (FIG. 8) each show a corresponding
length/portion of the bundle 300 of fibers 350 attached to the
substrate 400 via stitching 304. The bundle 300 is disposed upon
the top surface 410 of the substrate 400 and the stitching 304
crosses (e.g., zigzags) over the bundle 300 and penetrates the
substrate 400 at attachment locations 305 that are spaced apart
from the bundle 300. Additionally or alternatively, portions of the
stitching 304 may extend through the bundle 300 of fibers 350. The
substrate 400 and the stitching 304 may be formed from
thermoplastic polymer materials that melt during thermal
processing. The stitching 304 may be formed from a first
thermoplastic polymer material and the substrate 400 may be formed
from a second thermoplastic polymer material having a lower melting
temperature than the first thermoplastic polymer material. Thus,
the stitching 304 may retain the bundle 300 of fibers 350 in place
without melting when the substrate 400 begins to melt during the
thermal processing. In some examples, the stitching 304, or at
least a portion thereof, is formed from resin. The stitching 304
may also include materials that match optional infused polymers
used for compression molding and/or vacuum molding. The fibers 350
associated with the bundle 300 may include non-polymer fibers 352
and polymer fibers 354. For instance, the non-polymer fibers 352
may include carbon fibers, glass fibers, and/or boron fibers.
Synthetic polymer fibers may include high tenacity synthetic
polymer fibers such as aramid fibers. The polymer fibers 354, on
the other hand, may include thermoplastic polymer fibers having a
higher melting temperature than that of the thermoplastic polymer
materials used to form the substrate 400 and/or the stitching 304.
Moreover, the thermoplastic polymer materials used to form the
substrate 400 may include a melting temperature that is below a
degradation temperature associated with the non-polymer fibers 352
(e.g., carbon fibers).
[0083] The concentration of the stitching 304 may be greater in
some localized regions of the plate 200 (or other stitched article)
for increasing inter-laminar fracture toughness, while other
regions not in need of increased fracture toughness can include a
lower concentration of stitching 304 that is suitable for attaching
the bundle 300 of fibers 350 to the substrate 400. Moreover, the
regions associated with the lower concentration of stitching 304
decrease manufacturing times when attaching the bundle 300 of
fibers 350 to the substrate 400. In some examples, the localized
regions benefitting from an increased fracture toughness include
flex zones where flexing/bending of the formed plate 200 (or other
article) occurs repeatedly during use of the plate 200. In some
examples, the midfoot region 14 includes a higher concentration of
stitching 304 than the heel region 16 and the forefoot region 12
includes a higher concentration of stitching 304 than the midfoot
region 14. In some implementations, higher concentrations of
stitching 304 may be provided by applying the stitching 304 to the
substrate 400 as embroidery without crossing over the bundle 300
such that the density of stitching 304 is increased to increase the
inter-laminar fracture toughness in localized regions.
[0084] Referring to FIG. 6A, the bundle 300 of fibers 350 is
attached to the substrate 400 in the heel region 16 via a first
series of stitches 304 formed with the thread and having a first
concentration along a first length of the bundle 300 of fibers 350.
The first length of the bundle 300 may correspond to one of the
segments 302 in the heel region 16 extending in a direction (i.e.,
convergent to the longitudinal axis L of the substrate 400) between
the lateral side 18 of the substrate 400 and the medial side 20 of
the substrate 400. In the example shown, the first
concentration/density of the stitches 304 is proportional to a
first length L.sub.1 separating adjacent attachment locations 305
disposed on a same side of the bundle 300. For instance, the
stitching 304 may cross over the bundle 300 from a first attachment
location 305-1 on one side of the bundle 300 to a second attachment
305-2 on the other side of the bundle, and then back again to the
other side of the bundle 300 by crossing over the bundle 300 from
the second attachment location 305-2 to a third attachment location
305-3. Here, the first length L.sub.1 separates the adjacent first
and third attachment locations 305-1 and 305-3 disposed on the same
side of the bundle 300.
[0085] FIG. 6B provides a cross-sectional view taken along line
6B-6B of FIG. 6A showing the stitching 304 attaching the bundle 300
of fibers 350 to the top surface 410 of the substrate 400. The
stitching 304 may penetrate through the surfaces 410, 412 of the
substrate 400 and zigzag across the bundle 300 between the first
attachment locations 305. The non-polymer fibers 352 (e.g., carbon
fibers) and the polymer fibers 354 (e.g., thermoplastic polymer
fibers) may include circular cross sections that co-mingle with
each other throughout the length of the bundle 300.
[0086] Referring to FIG. 7, the bundle 300 of fibers 350 is
attached to the substrate 400 in the midfoot region 14 via a second
series of stitches 304 formed with the thread and having a second
concentration along a second length of the bundle 300 of fibers
350. Here, the second concentration/density of stitches 304 along
the second length of the bundle 300 in the midfoot region 14 is
greater than the first concentration/density of stitches 304 along
the first length of the bundle 300 in the heel region 16 of FIG.
6A. The thread forming the first and second series of stitches 304
may be continuous or discontinuous. The second length of the bundle
300 may correspond to one of the segments 302 in the midfoot region
14 extending in a direction (i.e., convergent to the longitudinal
axis L of the substrate 400) between the lateral side 18 of the
substrate 400 and the medial side 20 of the substrate 400. As with
the first concentration/density of stitching 304 in the heel region
16 along the first length, the second concentration/density of
stitching 304 in the midfoot region 14 along the second length of
the bundle 300 may be proportional to a second length L.sub.2
separating adjacent attachment locations 305 disposed on a same
side of the bundle 300. In the example shown, the second length
L.sub.2 separating the adjacent attachment locations 305 associated
with the second length of the bundle 300 is shorter than the first
length L.sub.1 separating the adjacent attachment locations 305
associated with the first length of the bundle 300. Accordingly,
the stitched article (e.g., bundle 300 and substrate 400) includes
a higher concentration/density of stitches 304 in the midfoot
region 14 along the second length of the bundle 300 than in the
heel region 16 along the first length of the bundle 300.
[0087] In some implementations, the second concentration is at
least 10-percent (10%) greater than the first concentration. In
some examples, the second concentration is 10-percent (10%) to
50-percent (50%) greater than the first concentration. The second
concentration may be 20-percent (20%) to 40-percent (40%) greater
than the first concentration. While the examples show the second
concentration of stitches 304 in the midfoot region 14 being
greater than the first concentration of stitches 304 in the heel
region 16, the first concentration of stitches in the heel region
16 may be greater than the second concentration of stitches 304 in
the midfoot region 14 in other examples.
[0088] The stitching 304 in the heel region 16 along the first
length of the bundle 300 may include a first average distance
between adjacent stitches and the stitching 304 in the midfoot
region 14 along the second length of the bundle 300 may include a
second average distance between adjacent stitches. In some
examples, the second average distance between stitches in the
midfoot region 14 is greater than the first average distance
between stitches in the heel region 16. For instance, the second
average distance between stitches 304 may be at least 10-percent
(10%) greater than the first average distance. In some
configurations, the second average distance is 10-percent (10%) to
50-percent (50%) greater than the first average distance. In other
configurations, the second average distance is 20-percent (20%) to
40-percent (40%) greater than the first average distance.
[0089] Referring to FIG. 8, the bundle 300 of fibers 350 is
attached to the substrate 400 in the forefoot region 12 via a third
series of stitches 304 formed with the thread and having a third
concentration along a third length of the bundle 300 of fibers 350.
Here, the third concentration/density of stitches 304 along the
third length of the bundle 300 in the forefoot region 12 is greater
than the second concentration/density of stitches 304 along the
second length of the bundle 300 in the midfoot region 14 of FIG. 7
(and also the first concentration/density of stitches 304 along the
first length of the bundle 300 in the heel region 16 of FIG. 6A).
The thread forming the third series of stitches 304 may be
continuous or discontinuous with the threads forming the first
and/or the second series of stitches 304. The third length of the
bundle 300 may correspond to one of the segments 302 in the
forefoot region 12 extending in a direction (i.e., convergent to
the longitudinal axis L of the substrate 400) between the lateral
side 18 of the substrate 400 and the medial side 20 of the
substrate 400. In the example shown, the third
concentration/density of stitching 304 in the forefoot region 12
along the third length of the bundle 300 is proportional to a third
length L.sub.3 separating adjacent attachment locations 305
disposed on a same side of the bundle 300. Here, the third length
L.sub.3 separating the adjacent attachment locations 305 associated
with the third length of the bundle 300 is shorter than both the
second length L.sub.2 separating the adjacent attachment locations
305 of FIG. 7 and the first length L.sub.1 separating the adjacent
attachment locations of FIG. 6A. Accordingly, the stitched article
(e.g., bundle 300 and substrate 400) includes a higher
concentration/density of stitches in the forefoot region 12 along
the third length of the bundle 300 than in both the midfoot region
14 along the second length of the bundle 300 and in the heel region
16 along the first length of the bundle 300. The
concentration/density of stitching 304 may also be increased by
incorporating embroidery stitching that secures and penetrates the
substrate 400 but does not cross over, or otherwise function, to
attach/secure the bundle 300 of fibers 350 to the substrate 400.
The use of embroidery stitching merely increases the
concentration/density of stitching 304 in localized regions where
increasing the inter-laminar fracture toughness is desirable, such
as along flex zones of the finished article (e.g., the footwear
plate 200).
[0090] In some implementations, the third concentration is at least
10-percent (10%) greater than the second concentration. In some
examples, the third concentration is 10-percent (10%) to 50-percent
(50%) greater than the second concentration. The third
concentration may be 20-percent (20%) to 40-percent (40%) greater
than the second concentration. While the examples show the third
concentration of stitches 304 in the forefoot region 12 being
greater than the second concentration of stitches 304 in the
midfoot region 14, the second concentration of stitches in the
midfoot region 14 may be greater than the third concentration of
stitches 304 in the forefoot region 12 in other examples.
[0091] The stitching 304 in the midfoot region 14 along the second
length of the bundle 300 may include the second average distance
between adjacent stitches and the stitching 304 in the forefoot
region 12 along the third length of the bundle 300 may include a
third average distance between adjacent stitches. In some examples,
the third average distance between stitches in the forefoot region
12 is greater than the second average distance between stitches in
the midfoot region 14. For instance, the third average distance
between stitches 304 may be at least 10-percent (10%) greater than
the second average distance. In some configurations, the third
average distance is 10-percent (10%) to 50-percent (50%) greater
than the second average distance. In other configurations, the
third average distance is 20-percent (20%) to 40-percent (40%)
greater than the second average distance.
[0092] While the examples of FIGS. 6A-8 describe the
concentration/density of stitching 304 across lengths of the bundle
300 increasing from the heel region 16 to the forefoot region 12,
other examples can include the concentration/density of the
stitching 304 across lengths of the bundle 300 increasing from the
forefoot region 12 to the heel region 16 without departing from the
scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, the
concentration/density of stitching 304 across length(s) of one or
more bundles 300 in the midfoot region 14 may be higher or lower
than the concentration/density of stitching 304 in the forefoot and
heel region 12 and 16. Accordingly, any length/portion/segment of
the bundle 300 extending along the substrate 400 can be selected to
incorporate any concentration/density of stitching 304 to achieve
desirable strength and toughness properties in localized regions of
the finished article (e.g., plate 200). For example, a higher
concentration/density of stitching 304 may be utilized in localized
areas associated with flex zones of a footwear plate 200 to
mitigate crack propagation due to repeated bending/flexing.
Additionally, while the attachment locations 305 are shown as being
spaced apart from the bundle 300 such that the stitching 304
crosses over the bundle 300, other examples may include the
stitching 304 penetrating through the bundle 300 along the length
at one or more locations,
[0093] In some implementations, a stitched article (i.e., the
bundle 300 and substrate 400) includes a concentration of stitches
304 that varies along a length of the bundle of the fibers in a
localized region. Referring to FIG. 9, a close-up view shows a
corresponding length/portion of the bundle 300 of fibers 350
attached to the substrate 400 via stitching 304 such that a
concentration/density of the stitches 304 varies along the length
of the bundle 300. For instance, the length of the bundle 300 may
correspond to one of the segments 302 extending in the direction
from the lateral side 18 of the substrate 400 to the medial side 20
of the substrate 400 and the concentration/density of the stitches
304 increases along the length of the bundle 300 from the medial
side 20 to the medial side 18.
[0094] FIG. 9 shows the stitches 304 crossing over the bundle 300
of fibers 350 and penetrating the substrate 400 at attachment
locations 305-1, 305-2, 305-3, 305-4, 305-5, 305-6, 305-7, 305-8,
305-9, 305-10, 305-11, 305-12, 305-13, 305-14 with each successive
attachment location disposed on an opposite side of the bundle 300
in an alternating repeating fashion. In some implementations, the
concentration/density of the stitches 304 is proportional to
lengths L.sub.1, L.sub.2, L.sub.3 separating adjacent attachment
locations disposed on a same side of the substrate 400. In the
sample shown, the lengths separating adjacent attachment locations
305 disposed on a same side of the substrate 400 decreases along
the length of the bundle 300 from medial side 20 to the lateral
side 18. For instance, a first length L.sub.1 separating the
adjacent attachment locations 305-2 and 305-4 is associated with a
first concentration/density of stitching 304 proximate to the
medial side 20 of the substrate 400, a second length L.sub.2
separating the adjacent attachment locations 305-6 and 305-8 is
associated with a second concentration/density of stitching 304
within interior regions of the substrate 400, and a third length
L.sub.3 separating adjacent segments 305-10 and 305-12 is
associated with a third concentration/density of stitching 304
proximate to the lateral side 18. Here, the second
concentration/density of stitching 304 associated with the second
length L.sub.2 is greater than the first concentration/density of
stitching 304 associated with the longer first length L.sub.1 but
less than the third concentration/density of stitching 304
associated with the shorter third length L.sub.3. While the example
shows the varying concentration/density of stitching 304 increasing
in the direction from the medial side 20 of the substrate 400 to
the lateral side 18 of the substrate 400, the concentration/density
of stitching 304 may increase in the opposite direction from the
lateral side 18 of the substrate 400 to the medial side 20 of the
substrate 400 without departing from the scope of the present
disclosure. Moreover, the concentration/density of stitching 304
may also fluctuate between increasing and decreasing a number of
times along any given length of the bundle 300 of fibers 350
including having the greatest concentration/density at a middle
portion of the substrate 400 between the lateral side 18 and the
medial side 20.
[0095] FIG. 10 provides a top view a strand/bundle 300a of fibers
350 that may form a layer 1000 of the footwear plate 200. The
pattern of the bundle 300a of fibers 350 is shown relative to a
peripheral edge P of the finished footwear plate 200. In some
examples, the bundle 300a of fibers 350 is affixed/attached to a
base layer that includes a corresponding substrate 400 to form a
first layer 1000 on the substrate 400. In other examples, the
bundle 300a is affixed/attached on top of a base layer that
includes an underlying sheet (e.g., unidirectional tape) or a layer
of stand/bundle of fibers all affixed/attached to a single
substrate 400 in a layered configuration. In some configurations,
the bundle 300a is formed from a corresponding continuous strand of
fibers 350. In other configurations, however, the bundle 300a is
formed from two or more strands of fibers 350. The bundle 300a may
range in size from about 1,000 fibers per bundle to about 48,000
fibers per bundle. In some examples, the bundle 300a includes
12,000 fibers per bundle. The bundle 300a may be formed from the
same or different fiber types as the bundle 300 of FIGS. 1-9. For
instance, the bundle 300a may include at least one of carbon
fibers, glass fibers, boron fibers, and/or synthetic polymer
fibers. Synthetic polymer fibers may include high tenacity
synthetic polymer fibers such as aramid fibers. The fibers 350 may
be comingled with a thermoset polymer material and/or a
thermoplastic polymer material to assist with affixing the bundle
300a to the substrate 400 and/or any other layers/sheets of fibers
lying underneath or over top of the bundle 300a to form the plate
200 (or other article).
[0096] The substrate 400 defines a length extending along a
longitudinal axis L from a first end 201 to a second end 202 and a
width extending between a first side 18 (e.g., lateral side) and a
second side 20 (e.g., medial side). When the stitched article is
associated with a footwear plate 200, the first end 201 corresponds
to a toe end of the plate 200 and the second end 202 corresponds to
a heel end of the plate 200. In the example shown, a series of
stitches 304 formed from a thread attach the strand portion formed
from the bundle 300a of fibers 300 to the substrate 400. The
stitches 304 may cross over the toe 300a and penetrate the
substrate 400 at attachment locations that are spaced apart from
the strand/toe 300a as described above with reference to FIGS. 6-9.
The stitches 304 may also penetrate the toe 300a of fibers 350 at
one or more locations. In some examples, the substrate 400 is a
textile including a first polymeric composition that includes one
or more first polymers and the thread associated with the stitching
304 includes a second polymeric composition that includes one or
more second polymers. In this example, at least one of the one or
more first polymers is the same as at least one of the one or more
second polymers. Optionally, a material (e.g., second polymeric
material) forming the thread of stitching 304 may have a higher
melting point than the material (e.g., first polymeric material)
forming the substrate 400 so that the stitching 304 holds the toe
300a in place when the substrate 400 begins to melt during a
thermoforming process. In some examples, the stitching 304, or at
least a portion thereof, is formed from resin. In some examples, a
melting temperature of the second polymeric composition of the
thread is at least 15-degrees Celsius (15.degree. C.) higher than a
melting temperature of the first polymeric composition of the
substrate.
[0097] FIG. 10 shows the strand portion formed from the toe 300a of
fibers 350 including looped portions 315 for connecting adjacent
segments/courses of the bundle 300a. Some of the looped portions
315 extending outside the peripheral edge P may be removed by
cutting along the peripheral edge P to remove the presence of pinch
points that may occur when applying pressure for consolidating the
fibers 350 to form the footwear plate 200. The looped portions 315
further define distal ends for the adjacent segments/courses of the
bundle 300a that terminate at respective locations on the substrate
400 that are spaced apart from the peripheral edge P at the first
end 201 to define a flex zone 450 of the substrate 400 at the
distal ends. The flex zone 450 includes a greater flexibility than
other regions of the substrate 400 and, thus, is configured to
provide a greater flexibility to the finished footwear plate 200 at
a region where a wearer's foot naturally bends/flexes during
walking/running or other movements. The flex zone 450 may include a
flexibility at least 5-percent (5%) greater than the flexibility of
the other regions. In other examples, the flexibility of the flex
zone 450 is at least 10-percent (10%) greater than the flexibility
of the other regions. Here, the concentration of fibers 350 is
reduced by removing the presence of fibers 350 at the flex zone 450
to accommodate anatomical features as well as to enhance
performance of the footwear 10 for its intended use. In the example
shown, the distal ends in the flex zone 450 cooperate to define a
transition line 1010 that extends from the medial side 20 to the
lateral side 18 of the substrate 400. While the transition line
1010 of FIG. 10 is arcuate, the distal ends of the bundle 300a may
be modified to form a transition line that is straight. The
substrate 400 is exposed between the transition line 1010 and the
peripheral edge P at the first end 201 of the substrate 400.
[0098] In some implementations, the toe 300a includes a first
length 310 and a second length 312 each extending in a direction
between the first side 18 and the second side 20 (i.e., the toe
300a is disposed at a non-zero angle (excluding 180 degrees)
relative to the longitudinal axis L of the substrate 400 such that
the direction of the lengths 310, 312 is convergent with the
longitudinal axis L). In other configurations, the direction may
extend parallel to the longitudinal axis L without departing from
the scope of the present disclosure.
[0099] In the example shown, the first length 310 and the second
length 320 are associated with a same length of the toe 300a, with
the bundle including a plurality of lengths/segments each extending
parallel to one another between the heel region 16 and the forefoot
region 12. The concentration of stitches 304 may be different along
at least one of these plurality of lengths/segments than the other
of the plurality of lengths/segments. Along at least one of the
plurality of lengths/segments, the first length 310 is disposed
closer to the first end 201 of the substrate 400 than the second
end 202 of the substrate 400. For example, the first length 310 may
be disposed within the flex zone 450 of the substrate 400 and the
second length 310 may be disposed outside of the flex zone 450. The
stitches 304 in the flex zone 450 of the substrate 400 may include
a first concentration along the first length 310 of the bundle 300a
and the stitches 304 outside the flex zone may include a second
concentration along the second length 310 of the bundle 300a. As
the flex zone 450 of the substrate 400 is at the first length 310,
the stitches 304 include a higher concentration along the first
length 310 than the second length 312 to increase inter-laminar
fracture toughness at the flex zone 450 after the finished plate
200 (or other article) is formed. Detailed views along respective
portions of the first and second lengths 310, 312 of the bundle
300a each show the stitching 304 following the zigzagging pattern
across the bundle 300a and penetrating the substrate 400 at
corresponding attachment locations 305. Optionally, the stitching
304 or a portion thereof may include "tacks" configured to attach
portions of the bundle 300a to the substrate 400 or simply
configured as embroidery to increase inter-laminar fracture
toughness in selected regions.
[0100] In some implementations, the first concentration is at least
10-percent (10%) greater than the second concentration. In some
examples, the first concentration is 10-percent (10%) to 50-percent
(50%) greater than the second concentration. The first
concentration may be 20-percent (20%) to 40-percent (40%) greater
than the second concentration.
[0101] FIG. 11 provides a top view a strand/bundle 300b of fibers
350 that may form a layer 1100 of the footwear plate 200. The
pattern of the bundle 300a of fibers 350 is shown relative to a
peripheral edge P of the finished footwear plate 200. In some
examples, the bundle 300b of fibers 350 is affixed/attached to a
base layer that includes a corresponding substrate 400 to form a
first layer 1100 on the substrate 400. In other examples, the
bundle 300b is affixed/attached on top of a base layer that
includes an underlying sheet (e.g., unidirectional tape) or a layer
of stand/bundle of fibers all affixed/attached to a single
substrate 400 in a layered configuration. As with the bundle 300a
of fibers 350 of FIG. 10, the bundle 300b of fibers 350 may be
formed from one continuous strand of fibers 350 or from two or more
strands of fibers 350, may range in size from about 1,000 fibers
per bundle to about 48,000 fibers per bundle, and may include at
least one of carbon fibers, glass fibers, boron fibers, and/or
synthetic polymer fibers. Synthetic polymer fibers may include high
tenacity synthetic polymer fibers such as aramid fibers.
Additionally, the fibers 350 may be comingled with a thermoset
polymer material and/or a thermoplastic polymer material to assist
with affixing the bundle 300b to the substrate 400 and/or any other
layers/sheets of fibers lying underneath or over top of the bundle
300b to form the plate 200 (or other article).
[0102] Implementations include a series of stitches 304 formed from
a thread to attach the bundle 300b of fibers 300 to the substrate
400 by crossing over the bundle 300b and penetrating the substrate
400 at attachment locations spaced apart from the strand/bundle
300b and/or penetrating the strand/bundle 300b. In some examples,
the substrate 400 is a textile including a first polymeric
composition that includes one or more first polymers and the thread
associated with the stitching 304 includes a second polymeric
composition that includes one or more second polymers. In this
example, at least one of the one or more first polymers is the same
as at least one of the one or more second polymers. Optionally, a
material (e.g., second polymeric material) forming the thread of
stitching 304 may have a higher melting point than the material
(e.g., first polymeric material) forming the substrate 400 so that
the stitching 304 holds the bundle 300b in place when the substrate
400 begins to melt during a thermoforming process. In some
examples, the stitching 304, or at least a portion thereof, is
formed from resin. In some examples, a melting temperature of the
second polymeric composition of the thread is at least 15-degrees
Celsius (15.degree. C.) higher than a melting temperature of the
first polymeric composition of the substrate.
[0103] FIG. 11 shows the strand portion formed from the bundle 300b
includes a plurality of lengths (i.e., segments) 320 having
longitudinal axes that extend in a direction between the forefoot
region 12 (e.g., first region) of the substrate 400 and the heel
region 16 (e.g., second region) of the substrate 400. Looped
portions 325 may connect adjacent lengths 320. Some of the looped
portions 325 extending outside the peripheral edge P may be removed
by cutting along the peripheral edge P to remove the presence of
pinch points that may occur when applying pressure for
consolidating the fibers 350 to form the footwear plate 200 (or
other article). Moreover, the substrate 400 includes a flex zone
460 having a greater flexibility than other regions of the
substrate 400. More specifically, the plurality of lengths 320 of
the bundle 300b positioned on the substrate 400 include a first
substantially straight portion 321 within the midfoot and heel
region 14, 16 and an arcuate portion 322 within the forefoot region
12 that defines the flex zone 460. Thus, the arcuate portions 322
of adjacent lengths 320 of the bundle 300b are aligned to define
the flex zone 460 with a straight transition line 1110 extending
across the width of the substrate 400 between the lateral side 18
(e.g., first side) of the substrate 400 and the medial side 20
(e.g., second side) of the substrate 400. Here, the arcuate portion
322 provides curvature to the path of the bundle 300b of fibers 350
to thereby change directions in the load path of the plate 200 to
accommodate anatomical features as well as to enhance performance
of the footwear 10 for its intended use. Each length 320 of the
bundle 300b may further include a second substantially straight
portion 323 within the forefoot region 12 that extends between the
arcuate portion 322 (flex zone 460) and the first end (e.g., toe
end) 201 of the substrate 400.
[0104] The flex zone 460 includes a greater flexibility than other
regions of the substrate 400 and, thus, is configured to provide a
greater flexibility to the finished footwear plate 200 at a region
where a wearer's foot naturally bends/flexes during walking/running
or other movements. The flex zone 460 may include a flexibility at
least 5-percent (5%) greater than the flexibility of the other
regions. In other examples, the flexibility of the flex zone 460 is
at least 10-percent (10%) greater than the flexibility of the other
regions.
[0105] As with the stitches 304 attaching the bundle 300a of FIG.
10, the concentration of stitches 304 may be different along at
least one of the plurality of lengths 320 of the bundle 300b than
the other of the plurality of lengths 320 of the bundle 300b. The
stitches 304 in the flex zone 460 of the substrate 400 may include
a first concentration along the arcuate portion 322 of the bundle
300b and the stitches 304 outside the flex zone may include a
second concentration along the substantially straight portions 321,
323 of the bundle 300b. In the example shown, the stitches 304
along each length 320 include a higher concentration within the
flex zone 460 than within other regions to increase the
inter-laminar fracture toughness at the flex zone 460 after the
finished plate 200 (or other article) is formed. For instance, the
density/concentration of the stitching 304 attaching the arcuate
portions 322 of the bundle 300b to the substrate 400 is greater
than the density/concentration of the stitching 304 attaching the
first and second substantially straight portions 321, 323 of the
bundle 300b to the substrate 400. As with the stitches 304
attaching the bundle 300a of FIG. 10, the stitching 304 along a
portion of any of the lengths 320 and/or arcuate portions 322 of
the bundle 300b may follow the zigzagging pattern across the bundle
300b and penetrating the substrate 400 at corresponding attachment
locations 305. Optionally, the stitching 304 or a portion thereof
may include "tacks" configured to attach portions of the bundle
300b to the substrate 400 or simply configured as embroidery to
increase inter-laminar fracture toughness in selected regions.
[0106] In some implementations, the first concentration is at least
10-percent (10%) greater than the second concentration. In some
examples, the first concentration is 10-percent (10%) to 50-percent
(50%) greater than the second concentration. The first
concentration may be 20-percent (20%) to 40-percent (40%) greater
than the second concentration.
[0107] FIG. 12 provides a top view the strand/bundle 300c of fibers
350 that may form a layer 1200 of the footwear plate 200. The
strand/bundle 300c of fibers 350 is substantially identical to the
strand/bundle 300b of fibers 350 of FIG. 11. In view of the
substantial similarity in structure and function of the components
associated with the strand/bundle 300c of the layer 1200 with
respect to the strand/bundle 300b of the layer 1100, like reference
numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like
components while like reference numerals containing letter
extensions are used to identify those components that have been
modified.
[0108] As with the strand/bundle 300b of fibers 350 forming the
layer 1100 of FIG. 11, the strand formed by the bundle 300c of
fibers 350 includes a plurality of lengths (i.e., segments) 330
having longitudinal axes that extend in a direction between the
forefoot region 12 (e.g., first region) of the substrate 400 and
the heel region 16 (e.g., second region) of the substrate 400. The
lengths 330 of the bundle 300c deposited on the substrate 400
include a first substantially straight portion 331 within the
midfoot and heel region 14, 16 and an arcuate portion 332 within
the forefoot region 12 that defines a flex zone 470 that is larger
than the flex zone 460 defined by the arcuate portions 322 of the
bundle 300b of FIG. 11. Thus, the arcuate portions 332 of adjacent
lengths 330 of the bundle 300c are aligned to define the flex zone
470 with the straight transition line 1110 extending across the
width of the substrate 400 between the lateral side 18 (e.g., first
side) of the substrate 400 and the medial side 20 (e.g., second
side) of the substrate 400. Here, the arcuate portion 332 provides
curvature to the path of the bundle 300c of fibers 350 to thereby
change directions in the load path of the plate 200 to accommodate
anatomical features as well as to enhance performance of the
footwear 10 for its intended use. Each length 330 of the bundle
300c may further include a second substantially straight portion
333 within the forefoot region 12 that extends between the arcuate
portion 332 (flex zone 470) and the first end (e.g., toe end) 201
of the substrate 400.
[0109] As with the stitches 304 attaching the bundle 300b of FIG.
11, the concentration of stitches 304 may be different along at
least one of the plurality of lengths 330 of the bundle 300c than
the other of the plurality of lengths 330 of the bundle 300c. The
stitches 304 in the flex zone 470 of the substrate 400 may include
a first concentration along the arcuate portion 332 of the bundle
300c and the stitches 304 outside the flex zone may include a
second concentration along the substantially straight portions 331,
333 of the bundle 300b. In the example shown, the stitches 304
along each length 330 include a higher concentration within the
flex zone 470 than within other regions to increase the
inter-laminar fracture toughness at the flex zone 470 after the
finished plate 200 (or other article) is formed. For instance, the
density/concentration of the stitching 304 attaching the arcuate
portions 332 of the bundle 300c to the substrate 400 is greater
than the density/concentration of the stitching 304 attaching the
first and second substantially straight portions 331, 333 of the
bundle 300c to the substrate 400. As with the stitches 304
attaching the bundle 300a of FIG. 10 and the bundle 300b of FIG.
11, the stitching 304 along a portion of any of the lengths 330
and/or arcuate portions 332 of the bundle 300c may follow the
zigzagging pattern across the bundle 300c and penetrating the
substrate 400 at corresponding attachment locations 305.
Optionally, the stitching 304 or a portion thereof may include
"tacks" configured to attach portions of the bundle 300c to the
substrate 400 or simply configured as embroidery to increase
inter-laminar fracture toughness in selected regions.
[0110] In some implementations, the first concentration is at least
10-percent (10%) greater than the second concentration. In some
examples, the first concentration is 10-percent (10%) to 50-percent
(50%) greater than the second concentration. The first
concentration may be 20-percent (20%) to 40-percent (40%) greater
than the second concentration.
[0111] Referring to FIG. 13, the layer 1100 formed by the
corresponding bundle 300b of fibers 350 may be incorporated into a
series of stacked layers 500a-500b of fibers 502 to increase
flexibility in one or more localized regions and tune stiffness
properties imparted by the finished footwear plate 200. Either or
both of the layers 1000, 1200 of FIGS. 10 and 12 could be
incorporated into the series of stacked layers 500a-500b of fibers
502 instead of, or in lieu of, the layer 1100 formed by the
corresponding bundle 300b of fibers 350. In the example shown, the
stacked layers 500a-500b are formed from individual strands 502 of
fibers, whereby each strand 502 refers to a plurality of fibers, a
monofilament, a yarn, or a polymer pre-impregnated bundles. For
instance, the strand 902 may include a plurality of carbon fibers
and a plurality of resin fibers that, when activated, solidify and
hold the carbon fibers in a desired shape and position relative to
one another. As used herein, the term "bundle" refers to a bundle
(i.e., plurality of filaments (e.g., fibers 350) that may be
twisted or untwisted and each bundle may be designated a size
associated with a number of fibers the corresponding bundle
contains. For instance, a single strand 502 may range in size from
about 1,000 fibers per bundle to about 48,000 fibers per bundle.
Each strand 502 may affix to a corresponding substrate 400, or all
of the strands 502 may affix to a same substrate 400 representative
of a base layer for the footwear plate 200. In other examples, the
layers 500a-500b are formed from prepreg fiber sheets that may be
unidirectional tape or multi-axial fabric having fibers 502
impregnated with resin. Alternatively, some of the layers 500a-500b
may be a unidirectional tape while others of the layers 500a-500b
may be a multi-axial fabric. Whether the layers 500a-500b
correspond to layers formed by corresponding strands 502 or
correspond to sheets of unidirectional tape or multi-axial fabric
having the fibers 502, the fibers 502 include at least one of
carbon fibers, glass fibers, boron fibers, and/or synthetic polymer
fibers. Synthetic polymer fibers may include high tenacity
synthetic polymer fibers such as aramid fibers. Fibers such as
carbon fibers, aramid fibers, and boron fibers may provide a high
Young's modulus while glass fibers (e.g., fiberglass) and medium
tenacity polymer fibers (e.g., nylon or polyester fibers) provide a
medium modulus. The fiberglass fibers may include E6 318 fibers
manufactured by Jushi.TM.. Carbon fibers may include Teryfyl TC35
fibers, Hyosun H2550 fibers or Tenax-E HTS 40 fibers.
[0112] In some implementations, the layers 500a-500b include fibers
502 formed at different angles relative to one another such that a
longitudinal axis of the fibers 502 (unidirectional tape,
multi-axial fabric, strand) is positioned at an angle (.PHI.)
relative to a longitudinal axis (L) of each layer 500a-500b. In one
configuration, the fibers 502 of the layer 500a are positioned at
the angle (.PHI.) equal to 60 degrees (60.degree.) relative to the
longitudinal axis (L) and the fibers 502 of the layer 500b are
positioned at the angle (.PHI.) equal to 0 degrees (0.degree.)
relative to the longitudinal axis (L). Accordingly, when the layers
500a-500b are stacked on one another, the longitudinal axes of the
fibers 502 associated with the layers 500a are positioned at
different angles relative to the longitudinal axis (L) of the plate
200 while the longitudinal axes of the fibers 502 associated with
the layers 500b are positioned parallel to the longitudinal axis
(L) of the plate 200. The layer 500a and/or the layer 500b could be
positioned at different angles relative to the longitudinal axis
(L) in other configurations.
[0113] FIG. 13 shows a stacked configuration that includes a total
of five (5) layers with a bottom layer 500a including fibers 502
positioned at 60.degree. relative to the longitudinal axis (L), the
next layer 500b including fibers 502 positioned at 0.degree.
relative to the longitudinal axis (L), a single layer 1100 of the
bundle 300b of fibers 350, the next layer 500b including fibers 502
positioned at 0.degree. relative to the longitudinal axis (L), and
the top and final layer 500a including fibers 502 positioned at
60.degree. relative to the longitudinal axis (L). In the example
shown, the bottom layer 500a is attached to the substrate 400 and
the remaining layers 500a, 500b, 1100 also attach to the substrate
400 over top the bottom layer 500a. In other examples, at least two
of the layers 500a-500b, 1100 attach to a corresponding substrate
400. Stitching 304 is used to attach layers 500a-500b, 1100 to the
substrate 400. The middle layer 1100 of the bundle 300b of fibers
350 provides a localized region of increased flexibility in the
forefoot region 12 due to the flex zone 460 formed by the arcuate
portions 322 of the bundle 300b, while the stitching 304 attaching
the bundle 300b of fibers 350 to the substrate 400 includes a
concentration/density that is higher in the flex zone 460 than in
other regions to increase the inter-laminar fracture toughness of
the plate 200 in the localized region of increased flexibility.
[0114] Referring to FIG. 14, in some implementations, one or more
of the layers 1100 formed by the corresponding bundle 300b of
fibers 350 may be incorporated into a series of stacked layers
600a-600b of fibers 602 to increase flexibility in one or more
localized regions and tune stiffness properties imparted by the
finished footwear plate 200. Either or both of the layers 1000,
1200 of FIGS. 10 and 12 could be incorporated into the series of
stacked layers 600a-600b of fibers 602 instead of, or in lieu of,
the layer 1100 formed by the corresponding bundle 300b of fibers
350. As with the stacked layers 500a-500b of FIG. 13, the stacked
layers 600a-600b are formed from individual strands 602 of fibers,
whereby each strand 602 refers to a plurality of fibers, a
monofilament, a yarn, or a polymer pre-impregnated bundles. For
instance, the strand 602 may include a plurality of carbon fibers
and a plurality of resin fibers that, when activated, solidify and
hold the carbon fibers in a desired shape and position relative to
one another. As used herein, the term "bundle" refers to a bundle
(i.e., plurality of filaments (e.g., fibers 350) that may be
twisted or untwisted and each bundle may be designated a size
associated with a number of fibers the corresponding bundle
contains. For instance, a single strand 602 may range in size from
about 1,000 fibers per bundle to about 48,000 fibers per bundle.
Each strand 602 may affix to a corresponding substrate 400, or all
of the strands 602 may affix to a same substrate 400 representative
of a base layer for the footwear plate 200. In other examples, the
layers 600a-600b are formed from prepreg fiber sheets that may be
unidirectional tape or multi-axial fabric having fibers 602
impregnated with resin. Alternatively, some of the layers 600a-600b
may be a unidirectional tape while others of the layers 600a-600b
may be a multi-axial fabric. Whether the layers 600a-600b
correspond to layers formed by corresponding strands 602 or
correspond to sheets of unidirectional tape or multi-axial fabric
having the fibers 602, the fibers 602 include at least one of
carbon fibers, glass fibers, boron fibers, and/or synthetic polymer
fibers. Synthetic polymer fibers may include high tenacity
synthetic polymer fibers such as aramid fibers. Fibers such as
carbon fibers, aramid fibers, and boron fibers may provide a high
Young's modulus while glass fibers (e.g., fiberglass) and medium
tenacity polymer fibers (e.g., polyester or nylon fibers) provide a
medium modulus. The fiberglass fibers may include E6 318 fibers
manufactured by Jushi.TM.. Carbon fibers may include Teryfyl TC35
fibers, Hyosun H2550 fibers or Tenax-E HTS 40 fibers.
[0115] In some implementations, the layers 600a-600b include fibers
602 formed at different angles relative to one another such that a
longitudinal axis of the fibers 602 (unidirectional tape,
multi-axial fabric, strand) is positioned at an angle (.PHI.)
relative to a longitudinal axis (L) of each layer 600a-600b. In one
configuration, the fibers 602 of the layer 600a are positioned at
the angle (.PHI.) equal to 60 degrees (60.degree.) relative to the
longitudinal axis (L) and the fibers 602 of the layer 600b are
positioned at the angle (.PHI.) equal to 0 degrees (0.degree.)
relative to the longitudinal axis (L). Accordingly, when the layers
600a-600b are stacked on one another, the longitudinal axes of the
fibers 602 associated with the layers 600a are positioned at
different angles relative to the longitudinal axis (L) of the plate
200 while the longitudinal axes of the fibers 602 associated with
the layers 600b are positioned parallel to the longitudinal axis
(L) of the plate 200. The layer 600a and/or the layer 600b could be
positioned at different angles relative to the longitudinal axis
(L) in other configurations.
[0116] While the stacked configuration of FIG. 13 includes a total
of five (5) layers, FIG. 14 shows a stacked configuration that
includes a total of four (4) layers with a bottom layer 600a
including fibers 602 positioned at 60.degree. relative to the
longitudinal axis (L), the next layer 600b including fibers 602
positioned at 0.degree. relative to the longitudinal axis (L), a
single layer 1100 of the bundle 300b of fibers 350, and the top and
final layer 600a including fibers 602 positioned at 60.degree.
relative to the longitudinal axis (L). In the example shown, the
bottom layer 600a is attached to the substrate 400 and the
remaining layers 600a, 600b, 1100 also attach to the substrate 400
over top the bottom layer 600a. In other examples, at least two of
the layers 600a-600b, 1100 attach to a corresponding substrate 400.
Stitching 304 is used to attach layers 600a-600b, 1100 to the
substrate 400. The middle layer 1100 of the bundle 300b of fibers
350 provides a localized region of increased flexibility in the
forefoot region 12 due to the flex zone 460 formed by the arcuate
portions 322 of the bundle 300b, while the stitching 304 attaching
the bundle 300b of fibers 350 to the substrate 400 includes a
concentration/density that is higher in the flex zone 460 than in
other regions to increase the inter-laminar fracture toughness of
the plate 200 in the localized region of increased flexibility.
[0117] Referring to FIG. 15, in some implementations, one or more
of the layers 1100 formed by the corresponding bundle 300b of
fibers 350 may be incorporated into a series of stacked layers 700a
of fibers 702 to increase flexibility in one or more localized
regions and tune stiffness properties imparted by the finished
footwear plate 200. Either or both of the layers 1000, 1200 of
FIGS. 10 and 12 could be incorporated into the series of stacked
layers 700a of fibers 702 instead of, or in lieu of, the layers
1100 formed by the corresponding bundle 300b of fibers 350. As with
the stacked layers 500a-500b, 600a-600b of FIGS. 13 and 14, the
stacked layers 700a are formed from individual strands 702 of
fibers, whereby each strand 702 refers to a plurality of fibers, a
monofilament, a yarn, or a polymer pre-impregnated bundles. For
instance, the strand 702 may include a plurality of carbon fibers
and a plurality of resin fibers that, when activated, solidify and
hold the carbon fibers in a desired shape and position relative to
one another. As used herein, the term "bundle" refers to a bundle
(i.e., plurality of filaments (e.g., fibers 350) that may be
twisted or untwisted and each bundle may be designated a size
associated with a number of fibers the corresponding bundle
contains. For instance, a single strand 702 may range in size from
about 1,000 fibers per bundle to about 48,000 fibers per bundle.
Each strand 702 may affix to a corresponding substrate 400, or all
of the strands 702 may affix to a same substrate 400 representative
of a base layer for the footwear plate 200. In other examples, the
layers 700a are formed from prepreg fiber sheets that may be
unidirectional tape or multi-axial fabric having fibers 702
impregnated with resin. Alternatively, some of the layers 700a may
be a unidirectional tape while others of the layers 700a may be a
multi-axial fabric. Whether the layers 700a correspond to layers
formed by corresponding strands 702 or correspond to sheets of
unidirectional tape or multi-axial fabric having the fibers 702,
the fibers 702 include at least one of carbon fibers, glass fibers,
boron fibers, and/or synthetic polymer fibers. Synthetic polymer
fibers may include high tenacity synthetic polymer fibers such as
aramid fibers. Fibers such as carbon fibers, aramid fibers, and
boron fibers may provide a high Young's modulus while glass fibers
(e.g., fiberglass) and medium tenacity polymer fibers (e.g.,
polyester or nylon fibers) provide a medium modulus. The fiberglass
fibers may include E6 318 fibers manufactured by Jushi.TM.. Carbon
fibers may include Teryfyl TC35 fibers, Hyosun H2550 fibers or
Tenax-E HTS 40 fibers.
[0118] In some implementations, the layers 700a include fibers 702
formed at different angles relative to one another such that a
longitudinal axis of the fibers 702 (unidirectional tape,
multi-axial fabric, strand) is positioned at an angle (.PHI.)
relative to a longitudinal axis (L) of each layer 700a. In one
configuration, the fibers 702 of the layers 700a are positioned at
the angle (.PHI.) equal to 60 degrees (60.degree.) relative to the
longitudinal axis (L). Accordingly, when the layers 700a are
stacked on one another, the longitudinal axes of the fibers 702
associated with the layers 700a are positioned at different angles
relative to the longitudinal axis (L) of the plate 200. The layer
600a could be positioned at other angles than 60.degree. relative
to the longitudinal axis (L) in other configurations.
[0119] FIG. 15 shows a stacked configuration that includes a total
of four (4) layers with a bottom layer 700a including fibers 702
positioned at 60.degree. relative to the longitudinal axis (L), two
(2) layers 1100 of the bundle 300b of fibers 350, and the top and
final layer 700a including fibers 702 positioned at 60.degree.
relative to the longitudinal axis (L). In the example shown, the
bottom layer 700a is attached to the substrate 400 and the
remaining layers 700a, 1100 also attach to the substrate 400 over
top the bottom layer 700a. In other examples, at least two of the
layers 700a, 1100 attach to a corresponding substrate 400.
Stitching 304 is used to attach layers 700a, 1100 to the substrate
400. The two middle layers 1100 of the bundle 300b of fibers 350
provide localized regions of increased flexibility in the forefoot
region 12 due to the flex zones 460 formed by the arcuate portions
322 of the bundle 300b, while the stitching 304 attaching each
bundle 300b of fibers 350 to the substrate 400 includes a
concentration/density that is higher in the flex zones 460 than in
other regions to increase the inter-laminar fracture toughness of
the plate 200 in the localized region of increased flexibility.
[0120] While the examples of FIGS. 13-15 are directed toward
stacking layers of fibers 702 upon one or more substrates 400 to
form a footwear plate, other examples can include stacking layers
of fibers upon one or more substrates 400 of different shapes to
form other stitched articles that include increased flexibility in
one or more localized regions. For example, such other articles
formed to have increased flexibility in one or more localized
regions can include a concentration/density of stitching 304 that
is higher in the localized region(s) to increase the inter-laminar
fracture toughness of the finished article in the localized
region(s) of increased flexibility.
[0121] FIGS. 13-15 depict that a first strand portion formed from a
first bundle of fibers may be attached to the substrate in at least
first and second regions (e.g., heel and forefoot) via a series of
stitches formed with a second thread, and at least a second strand
portion formed from a second bundle of fibers may be attached to
the substrate in at least the first and second regions via a series
of stitches formed with a second thread. The first bundle of fibers
may include carbon fibers and the second bundle of fibers may
include glass fibers. In some examples, a concentration of the
first bundle of fibers in the first region is at least 5-percent (5
percent) greater than a concentration of the first bundle of fibers
in the second region. Additionally or alternatively, a
concentration of the second bundle of fibers in the second region
is at least 5-percent (5 percent) greater than a concentration of
the second bundle of fibers in the first region.
[0122] With particular reference to FIGS. 16 and 17, formation of a
footwear plate 200 is described in conjunction with a mold 800. The
mold 800 includes a first mold half 802 and a second mold half 804.
The mold halves 802, 804 include a mold cavity 806 having the shape
of the footwear plate 200, to allow the mold 800 to impart the
desired shape of the particular plate 200 to either the stacked
layers 500a-500b of FIG. 13 incorporating one or more of the layers
1000, 1100, 1200 of FIGS. 10-12 formed by the corresponding first
bundle 300a, 300b, 300c of fibers 350, the stacked layers 600a-600b
of FIG. 14 incorporating one or more of the layers 1000, 1100, 1200
of FIGS. 10-12 formed by the corresponding first bundle 300a, 300b,
300c of fibers 350, or the stacked layers 700a of FIG. 15
incorporating one or more of the layers 1000, 1100, 1200 of FIGS.
10-12 formed by the corresponding first bundle 300a, 300b, 300c of
fibers 350.
[0123] In some examples, the bundle 300a, 300b, 300c attached to
the corresponding substrate 400 via the stitching 304 are
consolidated via a resin, such as a liquid resin material applied
to the bundle 300a, 300b, 300c, the substrate 400, and the
stitching 304. The liquid resin could include a liquid epoxy. The
liquid resin may be formed by combining first and second reactive
compositions to form the liquid resin. Application of the resin
material could flow through the bundle 300a, 300b, 300c, the
substrate 400, and the stitching 304 and then cure when subjected
to heat and pressure by the mold 800. As discussed above, the
stitching 304 may be formed from a thread that may cross over the
bundle 300a, 300b, 300c and/or penetrate the bundle 300a, 300b,
300c or other layers of fibers underneath to secure the bundle
300a, 300b, 300c to the substrate. For instance, the thread may be
formed from a material having a higher melting point than that of
the substrate 400 so that the stitching 304 can hold the bundle
300a, 300b, 300c in place when the substrate 400 begins to melt
during the thermoforming process. The thread may be formed from
resin and/or formed from the same or different material as the
substrate. The substrate 400 may be formed from a textile including
a first polymeric composition having one or more first polymers and
the thread may be formed from a second polymeric composition
including one or more second polymers, whereby at least one of the
one or more first polymers are the same as at least one of the one
or more second polymers. The textile forming the substrate 400 may
be a non-woven textile. In some examples, a melting temperature of
the second polymeric composition of the thread is at least
15-degrees Celsius (15.degree. C.) higher than a melting
temperature of the first polymeric composition of the
substrate.
[0124] After forming the stacked sheets/layers 500a-500b,
600a-600b, 700a, the sheets/layers 500a-500b, 600a-600b, 700a are
inserted between the mold halves 802, 804 within the mold cavity
806. At this point, the mold 800 is closed by moving the mold
halves 802, 804 toward one another or by moving one of the mold
halves 802, 804 toward the other mold half 802, 804. Once closed,
the mold 800 applies heat and pressure to the stacked sheets/layers
500a-500b, 600a-600b, 700a disposed within the mold cavity 806 to
activate the resin associated with the stacked sheets/layers
500a-500b, 600a-600b, 700a. The heat and pressure applied to the
stacked sheets/layers 500a-500b, 600a-600b, 700a causes the
particular shape of the mold cavity 806 to be applied to the
stacked sheets/layers 500a-500b, 600a-600b, 700a and, once cured,
the resin associated with the stacked sheets/layers 500a-500b,
600a-600b, 700a cause the stacked sheets/layers 500a-500b,
600a-600b, 700a to harden and retain the desired shape. In some
examples, when the resin composition includes the liquid epoxy
resin composition, the liquid epoxy resin composition cures prior
to removing the composite article from the mold. Moreover, the
incorporated layer(s) 1000, 1100, 1200 formed by the corresponding
bundles 300a, 300b, 300c of fibers 350 may include thermoplastic
yarns and/or stitching 304 formed from thermoplastic or thermoset
material to assist with attaching to the stacked layers 500a-500b,
600a-600b, 700a to retain the desired shape.
[0125] In some implementations, the resin composition is a
thermoplastic resin composition contained within at least one of
the substrate, the strand portion 300, 300b, 300c and the thread of
the stitching 304. The thermoplastic resin may consolidate the
substrate, the strand portion, and the thread of the stitching 304
by flowing and infiltrating the fibers 350 of the strand portion.
The thermoplastic resin composition may be allowed to re-solidify
prior to removing the composition article from the mold.
[0126] It should be noted that while the sheets/layers 500a-500b,
600a-600b, 700a are described as including a resin material, the
sheets/layers 500a-500b, 600a-600b, 700a could additionally be
supplied with resin that is infused within the mold 800. The
infused resin could be in addition to the impregnated resin of the
sheets/layers 500a-500b, 600a-600b, 700a or, alternatively, could
be used in place of the impregnated resin. The infused resin may
include a liquid epoxy, thermoplastic or thermoset material.
[0127] The forgoing processes may be used to form footwear plates
and cushioning elements that may be used to manufacture custom-made
footwear. For instance, various measurements of the foot may be
recorded to determine suitable dimensions of the footwear plate and
the cushioning member(s) incorporated into the article of footwear.
Additionally, data associated with the gate of the foot may be
obtained to determine if the foot is indicative of toe striking or
heel striking. The foot measurements and obtained data may be used
to determine optimal angles and radii of curvature of the footwear
plate, as well as the thickness of the one or more cushioning
members positioned above, below, or encapsulating the footwear
plate. Moreover, the length and width of the footwear plate may be
determined based on the collected data and foot measurements. In
some examples, the foot measurements and collected data are used to
select the footwear plate and/or cushioning member(s) from a
plurality of pre-fabricated footwear plates and/or cushioning
member(s) of various sizes and dimensions that closely match the
foot of the wearer.
[0128] Custom footwear plates may further allow for tailoring of
the stiffness of the plate for a particular wearer of the footwear.
For instance, the tendon stiffness and calf muscle strength of an
athlete may be measured to determine a suitable stiffness of the
plate for use by the athlete. Here, the stiffness of the footwear
plate can vary with the strength of the athlete or for the
size/condition of the athlete's tendons. Additionally or
alternatively, the stiffness of the plate may be tailored based on
biomechanics and running mechanics of a particular athlete, such as
how the angles of the athlete's joints change during running
movements. In some examples, force and motion measurements of the
athlete are obtained before manufacturing a custom plate for the
athlete. In other examples, plates are manufactured in particular
ranges or increments of stiffness to provide semi-custom footwear
such that individual athletes may select a suitable stiffness.
[0129] The following Clauses provide an exemplary configuration for
a method of forming a plate for an article of footwear described
above.
[0130] Clause 1: A stitched article comprising: a substrate having
a first region and a second region; and a first strand portion
formed from a first bundle of fibers, wherein the first bundle of
fibers is attached to the substrate in the first region and in the
second region via a series of stitches formed with a first thread,
the first bundle of fibers form a first layer on the substrate, and
the article has a first concentration of the stitches in the first
region along a first length of the first strand portion and a
second concentration of the stitches different than the first
concentration in the second region along a second length of the
first strand portion.
[0131] Clause 2: The stitched article of Clause 1, wherein the
stitches cross over the first strand portion and penetrate the
substrate at first attachment locations that are spaced apart from
the first strand portion, and cross over the second strand portion
and penetrate the substrate at second attachment locations that are
spaced apart from the second strand portion.
[0132] Clause 3: The stitched article of Clause 1, wherein the
stitches penetrate the first strand portion, or the second strand
portion, or both.
[0133] Clause 4: The stitched article of any of the preceding
Clauses, wherein the first length extends in a direction between a
medial side of the substrate and a lateral side of the
substrate.
[0134] Clause 5: The stitched article of Clause 4, wherein the
second length extends in a direction between the medial side of the
substrate and the lateral side of the substrate.
[0135] Clause 6: The stitched article of any of the preceding
Clauses, wherein the first concentration is greater than the second
concentration.
[0136] Clause 7: The stitched article of Clause 6, wherein the
first concentration is at least 10 percent greater than the second
concentration.
[0137] Clause 8: The stitched article of Clause 7, wherein the
first concentration is 10 percent to 50 percent greater than the
second concentration.
[0138] Clause 9: The stitched article of Clause 8, wherein the
first concentration is 20 percent to 40 percent greater than the
second concentration.
[0139] Clause 10: The stitched article of any of the preceding
Clauses, wherein a first average distance between stitches in the
first region is greater than a second average distance between
stitches in the second region.
[0140] Clause 11: The stitched article of Clause 10, wherein the
first average distance between stitches is at least 10 percent
greater than the second average distance between stitches.
[0141] Clause 12: The stitched article of Clause 11, wherein the
first average distance between stitches is 10 percent to 50 percent
greater than the second average distance between stitches.
[0142] Clause 13: The stitched article of Clause 12, wherein the
first average distance between stitches is 20 percent to 40 percent
greater than the second average distance between stitches.
[0143] Clause 14: The stitched article of any of Clauses 1-5 or
10-13, wherein the second concentration is greater than the first
concentration.
[0144] Clause 15: The stitched article of Clause 14, wherein the
second concentration is at least 10 percent greater than the first
concentration.
[0145] Clause 16: The stitched article of Clause 15, wherein the
second concentration is 10 percent to 50 percent greater than the
first concentration.
[0146] Clause 17: The stitched article of Clause 16, wherein the
second concentration is 20 percent to 40 percent greater than the
first concentration.
[0147] Clause 18: The stitched article of any of Clauses 1-9 or
14-17, wherein a second average distance between stitches in the
first region is greater than a first average distance between
stitches in the second region.
[0148] Clause 19: The stitched article of Clause 18, wherein the
second average distance between stitches is at least 10 percent
greater than the first average distance between stitches.
[0149] Clause 20: The stitched article of Clause 19, wherein the
second average distance between stitches is 10 percent to 50
percent greater than the first average distance between
stitches.
[0150] Clause 21: The stitched article of Clause 20, wherein the
second average distance between stitches is 20 percent to 40
percent greater than the first average distance between
stitches.
[0151] Clause 22: The stitched article of any of the preceding
Clauses, wherein the substrate is a textile including a first
polymeric composition comprising one or more first polymers.
[0152] Clause 23: The stitched article of any of the preceding
Clauses, wherein the thread includes a second polymeric composition
comprising one or more second polymers.
[0153] Clause 24: The stitched article of Clause 23, wherein both
the first polymeric composition of the textile and the second
polymeric composition of the thread are thermoplastic
compositions.
[0154] Clause 25: The stitched article of Clause 23 or 24, wherein
both the one or more first polymers of first polymeric composition
of the textile and the one or more second polymers of the second
polymeric composition of the thread include a polyurethane, a
polyester, a polyether, a polyamide, or a polyolefin.
[0155] Clause 26: The stitched article of Clause 22, wherein the
textile is a non-woven textile.
[0156] Clause 27: The stitched article of any of the preceding
Clauses, wherein the bundle of fibers includes at least one of
carbon fibers, boron fibers, glass fibers, and synthetic polymer
fibers.
[0157] Clause 28: The stitched article of Clause 27, wherein the
synthetic polymer fibers comprise aramid fibers.
[0158] Clause 29: The stitched article of any of the preceding
Clauses, wherein the stitched article comprises a second strand
portion formed from a second bundle of fibers, and the second
strand portion is attached to the substrate in the first region and
in the second region via a series of stitches formed with a second
thread.
[0159] Clause 30: The stitched article of any preceding Clause,
wherein the first bundle of fibers comprises carbon fibers.
[0160] Clause 31: The stitched article of Clause 29 or 30, wherein
the second bundle of fibers comprises glass fibers.
[0161] Clause 32: The stitched article of any of Clauses 29 to 31,
wherein a concentration of the first bundle of fibers in the first
region is at least 5 weight percent greater than a concentration of
the first bundle of fibers in the second region.
[0162] Clause 33: The stitched article of any of Clauses 29 to 32,
wherein a concentration of the second bundle of fibers in the
second region is at least 5 weight percent greater than a
concentration of the second bundle of fibers in the first
region.
[0163] Clause 34: The stitched article of any of Clauses 23-33,
wherein a melting temperature of the second polymeric composition
of the thread is at least 20 degrees Celsius higher than a melting
temperature of the first polymeric composition of the
substrate.
[0164] Clause 35: The stitched article of any of the preceding
Clauses, wherein the series of stitches crosses over the first
strand portion.
[0165] Clause 36: The stitched article of any of the preceding
Clauses, wherein the second region defines a flex zone having a
greater flexibility than the first region.
[0166] Clause 37: The stitched article of Clause 36, wherein the
flexibility of the second region is at least 5 percent greater than
the flexibility of the first region.
[0167] Clause 38: The stitched article of Clause 37, wherein the
flexibility of the second region is at least 10 percent greater
than the flexibility of the first region.
[0168] Clause 39: The stitched article of Clauses 22-31 or 33-38,
wherein the second concentration is greater than the first
concentration.
[0169] Clause 40: The stitched article of any of the preceding
Clauses, wherein the stitched article is a component of an article
of footwear, an article of apparel, or an article of sporting
equipment.
[0170] Clause 41: The stitched article of Clause 40, wherein the
stitched article is a component of an article of footwear.
[0171] Clause 42: The stitched article of Clause 41, wherein the
component of an article of footwear is a component of a plate of an
article of footwear.
[0172] Clause 43: A stitched article comprising: a substrate having
a first side and a second side, and a strand portion formed from a
bundle of fibers; wherein the strand portion is attached to the
substrate via a series of stitches formed with a thread, the strand
portion forms a first layer on the substrate, the strand portion
includes a first length extending in a direction between the first
side and the second side and a second length extending in a
direction between the first side and the second side, and the
stitches have a different concentration along the first length than
the second length.
[0173] Clause 44: The stitched article of Clause 43, wherein the
stitches cross over the strand portion and penetrate the substrate
at first attachment locations that are spaced apart from the strand
portion.
[0174] Clause 45: The stitched article of Clause 43, wherein the
stitches penetrate the strand portion.
[0175] Clause 46: The stitched article of any of the preceding
Clauses, wherein the substrate includes a first end and a second
end, the first length is located closer to the first end than the
second length, and the first length has a greater concentration of
the stitches than the second length.
[0176] Clause 47: The stitched article of Clause 46, wherein the
substrate includes a flex zone at the first length, and the flex
zone has a greater flexibility than other regions of the
substrate.
[0177] Clause 48: The stitched article of any of the preceding
Clauses, wherein the substrate is a textile including a first
polymeric composition comprising one or more first polymers and the
thread includes a second polymeric composition comprising one or
more second polymers, wherein at least one of the one or more first
polymers is the same as at least one of the one or more second
polymers.
[0178] Clause 49: The stitched article of any of the preceding
Clauses, wherein the bundle of fibers includes at least one of
carbon fibers, boron fibers, glass fibers, and synthetic polymer
fibers.
[0179] Clause 50: The stitched article of Clause 48 or 49, wherein
both the first polymeric composition of the textile and the second
polymeric composition of the thread are thermoplastic
compositions.
[0180] Clause 51: The stitched article of Clause 48 or 50, wherein
both the one or more first polymers of first polymeric composition
of the textile and the one or more second polymers of the second
polymeric composition of the thread include a polyurethane, a
polyester, a polyether, a polyamide, or a polyolefin.
[0181] Clause 52: The stitched article of any of Clauses 48-51,
wherein a melting temperature of the second polymeric composition
of the thread is at least 20 degrees Celsius higher than a melting
temperature of the first polymeric composition of the
substrate.
[0182] Clause 53: The stitched article of any of the preceding
Clauses, wherein the series of stitches crosses over the strand
portion.
[0183] Clause 54: A stitched article comprising a substrate having
a first side and a second side and a strand portion formed from a
bundle of fibers, attached to the substrate via a series of
stitches formed with a thread, forming a first layer on the
substrate, and including a first length extending in a direction
between the first side and the second side and a second length
extending in a direction between the first side and the second
side, a concentration of the stitches varying along at least one of
the first length and the second length between the first side and
the second side.
[0184] Clause 55: The stitched article of Clause 54, wherein the
stitches cross over the strand portion and penetrate the substrate
at first attachment locations that are spaced apart from the strand
portion.
[0185] Clause 56: The stitched article of Clause 54, wherein the
stitches penetrate the strand portion.
[0186] Clause 57: The stitched article of any of the preceding
Clauses, wherein the substrate includes a first end and a second
end, the first length being located closer to the first end than
the second length and having a greater concentration of the
stitches than the second length.
[0187] Clause 58: The stitched article of Clause 57, wherein the
substrate includes a flex zone at the first length, the flex zone
having a greater flexibility than other regions of the
substrate.
[0188] Clause 59: The stitched article of any of the preceding
Clauses, wherein the substrate is a textile including a first
polymeric composition comprising one or more first polymers and the
thread includes a second polymeric composition comprising one or
more second polymers, wherein at least one of the one or more first
polymers is the same as at least one of the one or more second
polymers.
[0189] Clause 60: The stitched article of any of the preceding
Clauses, wherein the bundle of fibers includes at least one of
carbon fibers, aramid fibers, boron fibers, glass fibers, and
polymer fibers.
[0190] Clause 61: The stitched article of any of the preceding
Clauses, wherein the thread is formed from resin.
[0191] Clause 62: The stitched article of any of the preceding
Clauses, wherein the thread is formed from the same material as the
substrate.
[0192] Clause 63: The stitched article of any of the preceding
Clauses, wherein a material forming the thread has a higher melting
point than the substrate.
[0193] Clause 64: The stitched article of any of the preceding
Clauses, wherein the series of stitches crosses over the strand
portion.
[0194] Clause 65: A stitched article comprising a substrate having
a first region and a second region and a strand portion formed from
a bundle of fibers, attached to the substrate via a series of
stitches formed with a thread, forming a first layer on the
substrate, and including a plurality of lengths having longitudinal
axes that extend in a direction between the first region and the
second region and distal ends that terminate at respective
locations on the substrate that are spaced apart from an edge of
the substrate to define a flex zone of the substrate at the distal
ends, the flex zone having a greater flexibility than other regions
of the substrate.
[0195] Clause 66: The stitched article of Clause 65, wherein the
distal ends cooperate to form a transition line that extends across
a width of the substrate between a first side of the substrate and
a second side of the substrate.
[0196] Clause 67: The stitched article of Clause 66, wherein the
transition line is arcuate.
[0197] Clause 68: The stitched article of Clause 66, wherein the
transition line is straight.
[0198] Clause 69: The stitched article of any of Clauses 66-68,
wherein the transition line extends from the first side to the
second side.
[0199] Clause 70: The stitched article of any of Clauses 66-69,
wherein the substrate is exposed between the transition line and
the edge.
[0200] Clause 71: The stitched article of Clause 65, wherein the
substrate is exposed between the distal ends and the edge.
[0201] Clause 72: The stitched article of Clause 65, wherein the
stitches cross over the strand portion and penetrate the substrate
at first attachment locations that are spaced apart from the strand
portion.
[0202] Clause 73: The stitched article of Clause 65, wherein the
stitches penetrate the strand portion.
[0203] Clause 74: The stitched article of any of the preceding
Clauses, wherein a concentration of the stitches is different along
at least one of the plurality of lengths than the other of the
plurality of lengths.
[0204] Clause 75: The stitched article of Clause 74, wherein a
concentration of the stitches varies along a length of at least one
of the lengths of the plurality of lengths.
[0205] Clause 76: The stitched article of Clause 65, wherein a
concentration of the stitches varies along a length of at least one
of the lengths of the plurality of lengths.
[0206] Clause 77: The stitched article of any of the preceding
Clauses, wherein the substrate is a textile including a first
polymeric composition comprising one or more first polymers and the
thread includes a second polymeric composition comprising one or
more second polymers, wherein at least one of the one or more first
polymers is the same as at least one of the one or more second
polymers.
[0207] Clause 78: The stitched article of any of the preceding
Clauses, wherein the bundle of fibers includes at least one of
carbon fibers, aramid fibers, boron fibers, glass fibers, and
polymer fibers.
[0208] Clause 79: The stitched article of any of the preceding
Clauses, wherein the thread is formed from resin.
[0209] Clause 80: The stitched article of any of the preceding
Clauses, wherein the thread is formed from the same material as the
substrate.
[0210] Clause 81: The stitched article of any of the preceding
Clauses, wherein a material forming the thread has a higher melting
point than the substrate.
[0211] Clause 82: The stitched article of any of the preceding
Clauses, wherein the series of stitches crosses over the strand
portion.
[0212] Clause 83: A stitched article comprising a substrate having
a first region and a second region and a strand portion formed from
a bundle of fibers, attached to the substrate via a series of
stitches formed with a thread, forming a first layer on the
substrate, and including a flex zone having a greater flexibility
than other regions of the substrate, the stitches having a greater
concentration along a length of the strand portion within the flex
zone than in the other regions of the substrate.
[0213] Clause 84: The stitched article of Clause 83, wherein the
flex zone defines a transition line that extends across a width of
the substrate between a first side of the substrate and a second
side of the substrate.
[0214] Clause 85: The stitched article of Clause 84, wherein the
transition line is arcuate.
[0215] Clause 86: The stitched article of Clause 84, wherein the
transition line is straight.
[0216] Clause 87: The stitched article of any of Clauses 84-86,
wherein the transition line extends from the first side to the
second side.
[0217] Clause 88: The stitched article of any of Clauses 84-87,
wherein the substrate is exposed between the transition line and an
edge of the substrate.
[0218] Clause 89: The stitched article of Clause 83, wherein the
stitches cross over the strand portion and penetrate the substrate
at first attachment locations that are spaced apart from the strand
portion.
[0219] Clause 90: The stitched article of Clause 83, wherein the
stitches penetrate the strand portion.
[0220] Clause 91: The stitched article of any of the preceding
Clauses, wherein the substrate is a textile including a first
polymeric composition comprising one or more first polymers and the
thread includes a second polymeric composition comprising one or
more second polymers, wherein at least one of the one or more first
polymers is the same as at least one of the one or more second
polymers.
[0221] Clause 92: The stitched article of any of the preceding
Clauses, wherein the bundle of fibers includes at least one of
carbon fibers, boron fibers, glass fibers, and synthetic polymer
fibers.
[0222] Clause 93: The stitched article of any of the preceding
Clauses, wherein the thread is formed from resin.
[0223] Clause 94: The stitched article of any of the preceding
Clauses, wherein the thread is formed from the same material as the
substrate.
[0224] Clause 95: The stitched article of any of the preceding
Clauses, wherein a material forming the thread has a higher melting
point than the substrate.
[0225] Clause 96: The stitched article of any of the preceding
Clauses, wherein the series of stitches crosses over the strand
portion.
[0226] Clause 97: A method of forming a stitched article, the
method comprising positioning a substrate, depositing a strand
portion formed from a bundle of fibers on the substrate, and
attaching the strand portion to the substrate via a series of
stitches formed with a thread such that a first region of the
stitched article has a first concentration of stitches and a second
region of the stitched article has a second concentration of
stitches, wherein the first concentration of stitches is at least
10 percent greater than the second concentration of stitches.
[0227] Clause 98: The method of Clause 97, wherein the stitched
article is a stitched article according to any of Clauses 1 to
96.
[0228] Clause 99: A method of forming a composite article, the
method comprising positioning a stitched article in a mold, the
stitched article including strand portions of bundles of fibers
stitched to a substrate with a thread; while the stitched article
is positioned in the mold, consolidating the substrate, the strand
portion, and the stitches via a resin composition to form a
composite article, and removing the composite article from the
mold, wherein the composite article includes a first region and a
second region, the second region including a flex zone having a
greater flexibility than the first region.
[0229] Clause 100: The method of Clause 99, wherein the method
further comprises forming the stitched article prior to the
positioning the stitched article in the mold.
[0230] Clause 101: The method of Clause 100, wherein the forming
the stitched article comprises depositing a strand portion formed
from a bundle of fibers on a substrate, and attaching the strand
portion via a series of stitches formed with a thread to the
substrate in a first region having a first concentration of
stitches and in a second region having a second region of stitches
greater than the first concentration of stitches.
[0231] Clause 102: The method of Clause 101, wherein the stitched
article is a stitched article according to any of Clauses 1 to
96.
[0232] Clause 103: The method of any of the preceding Clauses,
wherein consolidating the substrate, the strand portion, and the
stitching includes applying the resin composition to the substrate,
the strand portion, and the stitching while the stitched article is
positioned in the mold.
[0233] Clause 104: The method of Clause 99, wherein applying the
resin composition includes combining first and second reactive
compositions to form a liquid resin composition, and applying the
liquid resin composition to the stitched article.
[0234] Clause 105: The method of Clause 104, wherein the liquid
resin composition is a liquid epoxy resin composition.
[0235] Clause 106: The method of any of Clauses 103 to 105, further
comprising curing the resin composition prior to removing the
composite article from the mold.
[0236] Clause 107: The method of any of Clauses 103 to 106, wherein
the resin composition is a thermoplastic resin composition
contained within at least one of the substrate, the strand portion,
and the thread of the stitched article, and consolidating the
substrate, the strand portion, and the thread includes causing the
resin composition to flow and infiltrate the fibers of the strand
portion, followed by allowing the resin composition to re-solidify
prior to removing the composite article from the mold.
[0237] Clause 108: The method of any of the preceding Clauses,
wherein the method further comprises trimming a perimeter of the
composite article.
[0238] Clause 109: The method of Clause 108, further comprising
forming the substrate, the strand portion, and the stitching into a
plate for an article of footwear.
[0239] Clause 110: The method of Clause 109, further comprising
incorporating the plate into an article of footwear.
[0240] Clause 111: The method of Clause 99, wherein depositing the
strand portion on the substrate includes positioning the strand
portion in a plurality of lengths having longitudinal axes that
extend in a direction between the first region and the second
region, the plurality of lengths having distal ends that terminate
at respective locations on the substrate that are spaced apart from
an edge of the substrate to define the flex zone.
[0241] Clause 112: The method of Clause 99, wherein depositing the
strand portion on the substrate includes positioning the strand
portion in a plurality of lengths having a first substantially
straight portion within the first region and an arcuate portion
within the second region that defines the flex zone.
[0242] Clause 113: The method of Clause 99, further comprising
aligning arcuate portions of adjacent lengths to define the flex
zone.
[0243] Clause 114: The method of any of the preceding Clauses,
wherein attaching the strand portion via a series of stitches
formed with a thread includes causing the stitches to cross over
the strand portion and penetrate the substrate at first attachment
locations that are spaced apart from the strand portion.
[0244] Clause 115: The method of Clauses 99-108, wherein attaching
the strand portion via a series of stitches formed with a thread
includes causing the stitches to penetrate the strand portion.
[0245] Clause 116: A method of manufacturing an article of
footwear, apparel or sporting equipment, the method comprising
positioning a composite article, the composite article comprising a
stitched article having strand portions of bundles of fibers
stitched to a substrate with a thread, the wherein the fibers are
consolidated by a resin composition, wherein the composite article
is a component of an article of footwear, apparel or sporting
equipment, and affixing the composite article and a second
component to each other, wherein the second component is a second
component of an article of footwear, apparel or sporting
equipment.
[0246] Clause 117: The method of Clause 116, wherein the composite
article is a component of an article of footwear, and the second
component is a second component of an article of footwear.
[0247] Clause 118: The method of Clause 117, wherein the composite
article is a plate for an article of footwear.
[0248] Clause 119: A composite article comprising: a stitched
article according to any of Clauses 1 to 96 and a resin
composition, wherein the resin composition consolidates fibers of
at least the first bundle of fibers of the strand portion.
[0249] Clause 120: The composite article of clause 119, wherein the
resin composition consolidates the fibers of at least the first
bundle of fibers of the strand portion, fibers and/or a yarn of the
substrate, and thread of the stitched article.
[0250] Clause 121: The composite article of Clause 119 or 120,
wherein the resin composition is a thermoset resin composition, and
the thermoset resin composition optionally comprises an epoxy
resin.
[0251] Clause 122: The composite article of any of Clauses 119-121,
wherein the resin composition is a thermoplastic resin composition,
and the thermoplastic resin composition optionally comprises a
thermoplastic polyurethane, a thermoplastic polyester, a
thermoplastic polyether, a thermoplastic polyamide, a thermoplastic
polyolefin, or any combination thereof.
[0252] Clause 123: The composite article of any of Clauses 119 to
122, wherein the composite article is a plate for an article of
footwear.
[0253] Clause 124: The plate for an article of footwear of Clause
123, wherein the plate comprises a plurality of traction elements;
and one or more of the plurality of traction elements optionally
includes a tip configured to be ground-contacting, and optionally
wherein the tip is formed from a different polymeric material than
the resin composition of the plate.
[0254] Clause 125: A method of forming a plate for an article of
footwear including positioning a substrate, depositing a strand
portion formed from a bundle of fibers on the substrate, and
attaching the strand portion to the substrate via a series of
stitches formed with a thread such that a first region of the
stitched article has a first concentration of stitches and a second
region of the stitched article has a second concentration of
stitches, wherein the first concentration of stitches is at least
10 percent greater than the second concentration of stitches.
[0255] Clause 126: The method of Clause 125, wherein the method
further comprises positioning the stitched article in a mold,
disposing a liquid resin composition between and around a plurality
of fibers of the bundle of fibers stitched to the substrate,
solidifying the liquid resin composition, consolidating the
plurality of fibers with solid resin composition and forming a
composite plate for an article of footwear, and removing the
composite plate from the mold.
[0256] Clause 127: The method of Clause 126, further comprising
disposing at least one traction element in the mold prior to
disposing the liquid resin composition and attaching the traction
element to the composite plate prior to removing the composite
plate from the mold.
[0257] Clause 128: The method of Clauses 125-127, further
comprising incorporating the plate into a sole structure of the
article of footwear.
[0258] Clause 129: The method of Clauses 125-127, further
comprising incorporating the plate into the article of
footwear.
[0259] Clause 130: A plate formed by the method of any of Clauses
125-127.
[0260] Clause 131: A sole structure formed by the method of any of
Clauses 125-127.
[0261] Clause 132: An article of footwear formed by the method of
any of Clauses 125-127.
[0262] Clause 133: A method of forming a composite plate for an
article of footwear including positioning a stitched article in a
mold, the stitched article including strand portions of bundles of
fibers stitched to a substrate with a thread, wherein a first
region of the stitched article has a first concentration of
stitches and a second region of the stitched article has a second
concentration of stitches, wherein the first concentration of
stitches is at least 10 percent greater than the second
concentration of stitches, while the stitched article is positioned
in the mold, disposing a resin composition between and around a
plurality of fibers of the bundle of fibers stitched to the
substrate, consolidating the plurality of fibers with the resin
composition and forming a composite plate for an article of
footwear including a first region and a second region, the second
region including a flex zone having a greater flexibility than the
first region, and removing the composite plate from the mold.
[0263] Clause 134: The method of Clause 133, wherein the method
further comprises forming the stitched article prior to the
positioning the stitched article in the mold.
[0264] Clause 135: The method of Clauses 133-134, further
comprising incorporating the plate into a sole structure of the
article of footwear.
[0265] Clause 136: The method of Clauses 133-134, further
comprising incorporating the plate into the article of
footwear.
[0266] Clause 137: A plate formed by the method of any of Clauses
133-134.
[0267] Clause 138: A sole structure formed by the method of any of
Clauses 133-134.
[0268] Clause 139: An article of footwear formed by the method of
any of Clauses 133-134.
[0269] The foregoing description has been provided for purposes of
illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive
or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a
particular configuration are generally not limited to that
particular configuration, but, where applicable, are
interchangeable and can be used in a selected configuration, even
if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied
in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure
from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be
included within the scope of the disclosure.
* * * * *